#1223 - The Data Around School Mobile Phone Bans is Mind-Blowing

Justin and Kylie dive into startling new data showing the positive effects of mobile phone bans in Australian schools. They explore statistics that reveal significant improvements in student learning, behaviour, and classroom engagement and reflect on the broader implications for parenting and screen time at home.

KEY POINTS:

• The mobile phone ban in schools has led to

  • 87% of students being less distracted

  • 81% reporting improved learning

  • 63% drop in critical incidents involving social media

  • 54% reduction in behavioural issues

• Government intervention in screen and phone use is proving effective.

• Removing screens from classrooms and delaying smartphone access at home are strongly recommended.

• Analogue tools outperform digital ones in fostering better learning outcomes.

• Data from vaping bans also support the case for limiting access to harmful digital content.

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE:
“Kids don't need smartphones. They need smart parents, and smart parents give their kids dumb phones.” – Dr. Justin Coulson

KEY INSIGHTS FOR PARENTS:

• Delaying your child's access to smartphones helps them focus, learn, and behave better.

• School phone bans are effective, but more impact can be made at home and in broader digital habits.

• Parents shouldn't rely on children to self-regulate in an adult digital world—protection and guidance are necessary.

• Government restrictions, while imperfect, are valuable in safeguarding children.

RESOURCES:

• Unplug Childhood [Join the village!]

• Kids Need Smart Parents, Not Smart Phones [Article]

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS:

1. Delay giving children smartphones as long as possible—opt for dumb phones with basic functionality.

2. Set boundaries around screen use at home, especially for social media and unsupervised access.

3. Support analogue learning tools at home and advocate for them in schools.

4. Stay informed about government policies that affect your child’s digital environment.

5. Have open conversations with your child about the purpose and risks of digital devices.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.