Phone ban means ‘one less distraction’ - Hamilton principal

Banning phones from schools means “one less distraction” and could have an impact on bullying, a principal says.

The National Party revealed plans to rule out cellphones at school - and leader Christopher Luxon had chatted to teachers about their impact on Tuesday, during a visit to St Joseph’s Catholic School in Hamilton.

Luxon has said phones would only be allowed for educational purposes or for health reasons, but schools could decide how to enforce the ban.

The proposal has been called heavy-handed by a Labour MP and unnecessary by the New Zealand Principals’ Association, but St Joseph’s principal Grant Stuart was more positive.

“It’s quite well publicised that education rates have dropped so we do need to do some things to fix it up,” Stuart said.

Last month, the UN’s education, science and culture agency recommended banning cellphones from schools.

In New Zealand, schools currently set their own rules.

Having less technology meant “one less distraction” to worry about, Stuart said. “There’s a lot of risks around well-being and bullying and that type of thing” which technology and social media contributed to.

The school had maintained a cellphone ban for several years already and said it had done wonders for student learning and engagement.

“I’d imagine there would be quite a few schools that would be in a similar position... We provide technology for our students here at school like iPads and Chromebooks, but it’s in a controlled environment.”

On the other side of the Beehive, outgoing Labour representative for Hamilton Jamie Strange labelled the ban “heavy-handed”.

Strange, a former teacher, felt the power should remain in the hands of schools and their communities.

“Schools can already ban the use of mobile phones, the option is already available to them. I know a number of schools such as Hamilton Boys’ High School who have already done this.

“I’ve experienced the use of technology in both a high value and low value way.”

The New Zealand Principals' Federation wasn’t too keen on a total ban and had called National's plan “unnecessary and unworkable”.

“We agree that cellphones are distracting and there is evidence that does back this up,” national president Leanne Otene said

“What Christopher Luxon is suggesting is a blanket ban on the use of cellphones and in our high schools. This is not helpful as students need to learn how to manage their digital wellbeing.”

The federation did, however, support seeing more education around technology use being shared in schools. But a total ban, if it did happen, would need to be applied with common sense and in consultation with experts.