A national restriction on mobile phones in classrooms had reduced incidents in public schools, according to new data.
A year after Education Ministers agreed to put the ban in place from Term 1, 2024, the data shows student behaviour has improved.
Federal Health Minister Mark Butler said a New South Wales survey showed 87 percent of students were less distracted in the classroom and 81 percent of students had seen improved learning, according to almost 1000 principals.
Minister Butler said in South Australia, there had been a 63 percent decline in critical incidents involving social media and 54 percent fewer behavioural issues.
He said new vaping reforms were also making a difference in schools.
“It’s now been six months since new vaping laws banned the sale of them in corner stores and got rid of flavours like bubble gum and blueberry ice.
“Vaping rates have dropped by a third in 15 to 29-year-olds according to the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI) when comparing 2024 to 2023.”
Minister Butler said suspensions relating to vaping at South Australian schools had dropped by 50 percent.
“The latest research from the Cancer Council’s Generation Vape study, also shows the number of young people aged 14 to 17 who vape is in decline.”
