In a move that marks a departure from previous education policies, New Zealand’s new tri-party coalition government, led by National Party Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, has reaffirmed its comprehensive ban on cell phones in all primary, intermediate, and secondary schools.
The decision is a part of the coalition’s ambitious 100-day rollout plan, which includes 49 other actions aimed at reforming various sectors, as well as the actions of the previous Ardern Labour government.
The ban will mandate all cell phones remain off throughout the school day, including during breaks between classes.
The government’s stance is clear: the consensus is that cell phones should not be a part of the daily school environment unless used for educational purposes as part of a student’s schoolwork.
Prime Minister Luxon, in a media release on the National Party website on Aug. 9, reiterated the importance of this move for education outcomes.
“This policy is about ensuring that our schools are environments where students can focus on learning without the distractions that cell phones can bring. We believe in creating a learning space that promotes interaction, focus, and academic excellence,” he said.
While the policy is strict, it allows for flexibility in enforcement, with schools being given the autonomy to decide how to practically enforce the ban. This approach is designed to ensure that the policy can be adapted to the unique needs and circumstances of each school.
Understanding the need for communication, the government has outlined that parents and guardians can contact their children during school hours through the school office. This measure is intended to ease concerns about communication, especially in emergencies.
In addition, the policy includes providing exemptions under specific circumstances. Students who require their cell phones for health reasons will be granted an exemption from the ban.
Additionally, students with learning challenges who require the use of cell phones in their educational process will also be eligible for exemptions.
The poll found that 61 percent supported a ban, but not during breaks, with 20 percent opposed.
About 56 percent supported a whole-day ban, while 52 percent thought schools should be left to decide on their bans.
Only 19 percent believed there should be no ban at all, with an overwhelming 60 percent opposing this idea.
If the government alters the mobile phone ban so that students could still access their phone during intermission, Horizon said the policy could gain even more public approval.
The survey represents only the adult population of New Zealand, and was conducted between Nov. 10 to 16.
