Mobile phones at school

For free and confidential legal advice about this topic, please contact us here.   

There are new rules on using mobile phones in public schools starting in Queensland from Term 1, 2024. However, lots of schools – both public and private – already have rules about when you can use mobile phones. 

Mobile phones in schools

If you go to a public or a private school, it probably has its own policy on when you can use a mobile phone at school. You can find this by searching on your school’s website, or asking a teacher you trust at school. 

If you go to a public school, there will be new rules starting in Queensland from Term 1, 2024. 

What are the new rules?

We don’t have all the details yet, but under the new rules, students will need to make sure mobile phones and other devices like smartwatches are ‘away for the day’, including during break times. 

What if I need my mobile phone?

There might be lots of reasons why you might need to use a mobile phone at school. For example: 

• you might need it for safety reasons 
• you might need it for an urgent family situation happening outside of school 
• you might need it to support your participation in school because of a disability 
• you might need it because of a health condition. 

Under the new rules, it will be possible to get approval to use your phone in certain situations, including for reasons linked with disability, health and wellbeing. 

If you want an exemption, it’s a good idea to find out your school policy on how to request it. You can also think about whether you need any evidence to support your application (for example, a letter from a doctor or a family member). 

It can also be a good idea to talk to a family member or a teacher you trust about why you need an exemption, so they can support you with this process. 

If you think the school has treated you unfairly, you can contact us for advice. For more information about discrimination at school, check out our webpage. 

What happens if I use my phone at school without permission?

Each school should have its own policies about what can happen if you break school rules. You can also check out our webpages on: 

• Searches and confiscations at school 
• School suspensions 
• School expulsions