Wearable devices in schools: PV media comment

You may remember that students were banned from having mobile phones in Victorian government schools in 2020.

The Herald-Sun reported recently that “Teachers and education experts are calling for wearable devices to be included in the Victorian phone ban, as schools take drastic measures to stamp out poor concentration and anti-social behaviour. Schools are confiscating wireless headphones such as AirPods, which have become the latest distraction …”

The article quotes Deakin University cyber-psychologist Bianca Klettke, who called for the devices to be explicitly included in the state school phone ban, as their behavioural impact was “detrimental”.
“The phone ban was initiated so students can focus more on their learning. These devices are a vehicle by which to access the phone and are certainly not conducive to enhancing focus and learning,” Dr Klettke said.

The article also quotes Parents Victoria CEO Gail McHardy:

Parents Victoria chief executive Gail McHardy said the organisation flagged the possibility of an increase in “covert use” of devices – like wireless headphones – after the Victorian phone ban took effect in 2020, but maintained responsibility fell upon parents to “educate and monitor their children with appropriate” technology use.

“This should be the highest priority so school staff would not need to rely on the school policies to enforce school rules,” Ms McHardy said.

Read the Herald-Sun article (subscription only)