As students have returned back to school, new data shows student behaviour has improved after the Albanese Labor Government worked with states and territories to ban mobile phones in schools.
It's been one year since phones have been banned or restricted in all public schools, after Education Ministers agreed to put the ban in place from Term 1 2024 and schools are seeing the difference.
A New South Wales survey shows 87 per cent of students are less distracted in the classroom and 81 per cent of students have seen improved learning, according to almost 1,000 principals.
In South Australia, there has been a 63 per cent decline in critical incidents involving social media and 54 per cent fewer behavioural issues.
The Albanese Government's world-leading vaping reforms are also making a difference in our 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.
And suspensions relating to vaping at South Australian schools have dropped by a staggering 50 per cent.
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.
These positive school behaviour results come as the Government has also passed legislation last year that will deliver on its commitment to support parents and protect young people by setting a minimum age of 16 years for social media.
The new laws will come into effect no later than 12 months from 10 December 2024, allowing the necessary time for social media platforms to develop and implement required systems.
Setting 16 as the minimum age for accessing social media complements the work the Government is doing with states and territories to tackle bullying across the country.
This work with states and territories is a national effort to deal with bullying in Australian schools and to provide children and parents confidence that no matter where their child goes to school, if they're experiencing bullying, it will be managed in an appropriate way.
The Albanese Labor Government is supporting parents, teachers and students in school and at home so every child has a happier, healthier start to life.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Education Jason Clare:
"Our ban on mobile phones and our ban on vapes are improving behaviour in classrooms.
"Teachers tell me these bans are making a world of difference.
"There are less distractions in the classroom and playgrounds are noisy again. Children are being children.
"This is helping teachers and parents and supporting happier, healthier children."
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Mark Butler:
"As parents bring their kids back to school for the new school year, they can have confidence, as can teachers and young people themselves, that we have finally turn the corner on the scourge of vaping.
"This data shows the Albanese Government's vaping reforms are working to prevent a new generation from becoming addicted to nicotine."
Quotes attributable to Minister for Communications Michelle Rowland:
"The Albanese Government is protecting young Australians from the harms that come with social media, and supporting mums, dads, and carers to keep their kids safe.
"Keeping children safe is a collective responsibility, and we are stepping up to play our role.
"We've listened to young people, parents and carers, experts and industry in developing these landmark laws to ensure they are centred on protecting young people - not isolating them.
"We will continue to act in the interests of young people and vulnerable Australians."
