From the beginning of Term 1 2024, all Queensland state school students must keep their mobile phones switched off and 'away for the day' during school hours. Notifications on wearable devices, such as smartwatches, must be switched off so that phone calls, messages and other notifications cannot be sent or received during school hours.
The decision to implement a consistent, state-wide approach to putting mobile phones away during the school day is based on the advice of a former Queensland Family and Children's Commissioner, who completed an independent review of Queensland's approach to mobile phones, including consultation with key education stakeholders from each education region, as well as a research review on student use of mobile phones and personal devices in schools.
In consultation with the broader school community, Bentley Park College (BPC) has determined that explicit teaching of responsible use of mobile phones and other devices is a critical component of digital literacy. The knowledge and confidence to navigate and use these technologies safely while developing digital literacy is a responsibility shared between parents/carers, school staff and students and is outlined in the Student Use of Mobile and Electronic Device Policy (PDF 926KB).
