SGGPO 12/01/2023 11:51

On December 1, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced that the New Zealand Government will ban the use of mobile phones in schools across the country. Students will have to hand in their phones at the beginning of the day and pick them up when they leave.

Students are increasingly distracted in class by using their phones. Photo: RNZ

In 2022, researchers at the New Zealand Centre for Education charity warned of a “crisis” after finding that more than 30% of 15-year-olds could barely read or write. The researchers stressed the urgent need to address this worrying situation in New Zealand.

Faced with this situation, Prime Minister Luxon said he would ban the use of mobile phones in schools within the first 100 days of his inauguration, applying a policy that has been tested in the US, UK and France.

New Zealand schools once boasted some of the highest literacy rates in the world. But literacy levels have fallen to such a level that some researchers fear a crisis.

The move will help students focus more on their studies, Prime Minister Luxon said, according to the NZHerald. Some studies have shown that learning outcomes improved by 6.5% after the ban. Banning the use of these devices during breaks will also help improve health and social skills.

Since 2021, Queen Margaret College has implemented a no-phone policy.