The Queensland government is planning to ban mobile phones and smartwatches in state schools starting next year. Education Minister Grace Grace announced that parents will be provided with two terms to adjust to the new ban, which aligns Queensland with the rest of the country’s consistent national approach to mobile phone use. The ban will be implemented in term one of 2024 and will cover the entire school day, including break times. The goal is to have a uniform approach across all schools, with clear guidelines developed in consultation with school communities, including parents. Currently, over 95% of schools have a policy in place banning phone use during class, while the remaining schools informally restrict use. The ban is part of the government’s efforts to address cyberbullying and classroom distractions. However, students will still be allowed to bring phones to school to contact parents or carers before or after school, and exemptions will be made for health and well-being purposes. The government has appointed Cheryl Vardon, former family and child commissioner, to review the policy, and discussions are ongoing with other education ministers to establish consistent guidelines nationwide.