An Australian private school announced a new smartphone ban for students, urging parents to instead get their children Nokia flip phones.
The Cranbrook School in Bellevue Hill, Sydney, said that the decision was made in response to the local government's social media ban for individuals under 16 years. The latter went into effect on Wednesday.
School Smartphone Ban
In a statement, the head of the school's junior school, Michele Marquet, said that they typically have to deal with issues resulting from inappropriate smartphone use when traveling to and from school, especially on public transport.
At Cranbrook School, students are banned from using their phones during school hours. However, in years 3 to 6, they are permitted to have a phone whenever they travel to and from school.
But under the new policy that was announced, which will go into effect next year, the phones that students can use before and after school will have to be either a Nokia 2660 Flip 4G or Opel Mobile Flip Phone, according to the New York Post.
Both of the mobile devices that the school referenced can be bought retail for under $100 each, with their prices ranging depending on the outlet. Marquet added that they believe the adjustment will help ensure students are focused on learning and engaged with their friends during school hours and when they are traveling to and from school.
The smartphone ban makes Cranbrook among other schools that have made similar decisions, including Sydney girls' private schools Queenwood, in Mosman, and Pymble Ladies' College, in Pymble.
Protecting Children and Teachers
At 80 Western Sydney Catholic schools, students will also be banned from using mobile phones from the beginning of the 2026 school year. In a statement released last month, Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese Chief Executive Officer Jack de Groot said it was important to make clear that this is the "right approach for all our students," News.com.au reported.
Amid the slew of school bans on smartphones, one Sydney parent, George Giovas, said that tougher restrictions are crucial to protect children and teachers. The father said he bought his children smartphones only for managing after-school sports travel, believing that school hours should remain phone-free.
The parent added that there is a place for these mobile devices, but argued that it was not during school hours. Giovas endorsed the local government's social media ban but criticized the timing as it begins during summer holidays, as per the Greek Herald.
