A March 2026 update from the Ministry of Education highlights ongoing challenges in enforcing the school phone ban, with students most commonly breaching the rules to contact parents or family during school hours.
New findings from the Education Review Office (ERO) show that fewer than 40% of Year 12 and 13 students are fully complying, underscoring the need for stronger, more consistent enforcement in senior levels.
ERO has issued a good practice guide urging schools to take a firm approach, making it clear that rules must be backed by real consequences. Schools that strictly monitor compliance and confiscate phones when necessary are seeing better results.
Secondary students are twice as likely to follow the rules consistently when schools adopt a no-nonsense approach. In contrast, softer enforcement has proven ineffective, particularly among older students who are more likely to test boundaries.
Families are being encouraged to respect school policies by contacting students through official channels, such as school email or administration offices, rather than bypassing the rules with direct messages during class time.
Education Minister Erica Stanford said the policy, introduced in April 2024 as part of National’s election platform, is already delivering tangible benefits. A strong majority of teachers report improved classroom focus, while many schools are also seeing a noticeable decline in bullying.
Compliance remains highest among younger students, with around 93% of Year 7 and 8 students adhering to the rules.