The move to ban students from using their mobile phones on campus in 2019 has sparked positive changes at Corinda State High School, according to Executive Principal Helen Jamieson.
Ms Jamieson said that since adopting a proactive approach to students’ personal technologies use, the kids have become more engaged with their peers and are taking full advantage of the school’s programs and facilities. The students are busier than ever at the sports fields or at the library where they may also play chess and Lego.
Lunch times at school also have students talking and engaging. No one is looking down and fiddling on their phones whilst ignoring their schoolmates.
Ms Jamieson said that the social culture at Corinda State High School has shifted since the students have been required to keep their mobile phones, earphones, and smart watches inside a Yondr pouch provided upon enrolment.
The Yondr pouch has to be tapped to activate a mechanical lock before the students enter the school, and they tap this again to unlock the pouch when they go home.
Per the school’s policy, the students may only be allowed to take out their phones “under the strict supervision of a teacher if they are used for educational purposes.” Laptops and tablet computers, however, are not included in the ban.
Ms Jamieson said that one of the key factors in enforcing the ban, which received immense support from the parents, was to help curb mobile phone addiction among impressionable teenagers. They also wanted to protect curious students from the dangers of the internet.
The ban, however, was not without any incidents as there were teenagers who tried to slip their phones in between classes. However, students who were caught violating the ban have been dealt with stricter consequences such as being monitored for a month. Repeat offenders have been subjected to weekend community programs.
