News
23 July, 2026
Parents need to help with phone ban says school principal
Parents and carers are being urged to have a conversation with their children about the responsible use of mobile phones and other digital devices during school hours.
Parents and carers are being urged to have a conversation with their children about the responsible use of mobile phones and other digital devices during school hours.
Principal of Bowral High School, Richard Finter, took to social media this week saying parents had an important role to play in helping their children comply with NSW Department of Education policy.
He said the co-operation of parents on the matter was not only appreciated but expected, describing a ban on mobile phones as a “benefit to all”.
Under the current policy, the use of mobile phones and other digital devices including air pods is banned at all NSW public schools during school hours including recess and lunch.
Bowral High School has opted for the ‘off and away’ management option – one of five open to schools.
Mr Finter said the ban was in place for a number of reasons before naming three: mobile phones interrupt the teaching and learning of students, they have lower social engagement and they can lead to cyber-bullying.
“Just because phones are banned in schools, I’m not silly enough to believe that students won’t bring them to school any more than I think speed signs stop adults from speeding on roads,” Mr Finter said.
“This is where we need you as parents and carers to work with us at school to support students to make good decisions around phone use.
“I would appreciate it if you could talk to you children and explain to them that if they choose to bring their mobiles and other digital devices to school they must be off and away.
“If students are observed with their phones or digital devices out at any time of the school day they will be instructed to take them to the front office for storage.
“Failure to do so may result in suspension.”
Mr Finter also asked that parents not contact their children via mobile phone during school hours.
“If you need to contact your child, please do so through the front office.
“By following this simple procedure, you will support a positive learning environment for all at Bowral High School.”
The ‘phones off and away’ option is considered the most lenient of all options open to public schools across the state because it allows students to keep their phones in their school bags throughout the day.
The other options include keeping them in lockers, storing them in pouches, collecting and storing them securely in the classroom or depositing them at the front office at the start of every school day.
Principals have the authority to manage individual requests from and/or carers and students for any exemption to the policy.
According to the policy, principals may also allow students to use mobile phones in specific circumstances such as for education purposes, to achieve student health and well-being outcomes “or as part of reasonable adjustment to enable students with specific needs to participate in education on the same basis as other students”.
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