New Zealand has completely banned students from using mobile phones in all elementary, middle and high schools across the country.
According to local media such as the New Zealand Herald on the 30th (local time), the New Zealand government began implementing a ban on the use of mobile phones by students in all elementary, middle and high schools nationwide from the second semester of 2024, which began on the 29th.
Accordingly, it is mandatory for students to turn off their mobile phones while going to school. Cell phones that are turned off should be kept in a bag or submitted to the school. Cell phones are also banned during breaks and lunch breaks. Even if parents need to contact their children, they should contact their school offices.
However, in exceptional circumstances, such as when a student has a disability or needs a mobile phone for specific education, the school can autonomously determine and approve the use of a mobile phone. Sanctions imposed if a student violates the mobile phone use ban are also at the school’s discretion.
The ban on the use of mobile phones in schools is a pledge made by the ruling People’s Party in the run-up to the parliamentary elections, while touting educational reforms. New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon also cited it as one of the priority policies that should be implemented within 100 days upon taking office.
“Happy school cell phone ban day,” Luxon said on social media. “The use of cell phones has been banned in all schools across the country. Now is the time to reduce distractions for children to learn and achieve.”
The ban on the use of mobile phones is due to the deterioration of literacy among New Zealand students. Education Hub, an educational research organization, diagnosed in a report that more than one-third of New Zealand’s 15-year-old children are at the level of literacy crisis, which cannot be read or written.
The New Zealand government expects a complete ban on the use of mobile phones on campus to increase academic achievement.
“The overwhelmingly positive results came from schools that introduced a mobile phone ban in advance,” Education Minister Erica Stanford said. “The government has decided to ban the use of mobile phones nationwide to ensure that all schools provide the same quality education without distraction.”
The ban on the use of mobile phones in schools may increase learning efficiency, but it may have a negative impact if the policy is implemented on a mandatory, not voluntary basis. The backlash from students will increase. Cell phones can also be used as a learning tool, preventing students’ rights. If we check the positive side of cell phone use and make a good compromise on students’ cell phone use, it will have a positive effect.
JENNIFER KIM
US ASIA JOURNAL
