Mobile phones to be banned in Victorian state schools

26 June 2019

The use of mobile phones by students in school has become a controversial topic, but the Victorian Government has taken a stance by outlawing them from state schools in a bid to tackle cyberbullying and other distractions in the classroom.

The mobile phone ban will take place during school hours in all Victorian state primary and secondary schools, beginning in the first term of 2020. The move follows French schoolchildren under 15 being prohibited from using phones at school and the NSW Government’s ban on mobile phones in public primary schools. While many schools in Australia have introduced their own phone use rules and limitations, this is the first time a state-wide ban has existed.

As part of the ban, phones must be kept in school lockers from first the bell to last bell unless a child needs to keep a phone for medical reasons or if there is a specific instruction from the teacher that the phones are needed for a classroom activity.

APC has a wide selection of lockers ideal for the storage of mobile phones, electronics and other personal items including purpose designed Phone Lockers.

Phone Lockers allow devices into schools but provide a place for them to be securely locked away during class and throughout the day.

GPO’s can be added to the unit allowing for mobile devices to be charged. Additionally, APC's ABS plastic lockers, and metal lockers can also be equipped with power and data capabilities.