Western Sydney Catholic Schools hold the phone

Generic image of students holding mobile devices

Student mobile phone use will be banned across 80 Western Sydney Catholic schools from the beginning of the 2026 school year. The restriction presents a positive opportunity to enhance student outcomes, both in academic excellence and wellbeing.

Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese Chief Executive Officer Jack de Groot feels that consistent restrictions with clear parameters are necessary to support both students and staff.

“Though the majority of our schools already have a phones-off-and-away approach, it’s important to make clear that this is the right approach for all our students,” Jack said. “Of course, there is a place for mobile phones in our lives, but that’s not at school.”

Parent representative George Giovas agrees that school is not the place for mobile phones.

”It is important to have a consistent, proactive and collaborative approach to the issue of mobile phones,” George said.

The safety and wellbeing of all our children and teachers during school is paramount. This is something that needs to be understood, respected and adhered to.

With the social media ban for children and young people under 16 coming into effect in December, the move to restrict phone use feels particularly timely. It also provides an opportunity to encourage students to prioritise real-world interactions and build social skills accordingly. School staff will receive support in implementing this policy throughout the school day, including guidance on appropriate consequences for breaches.

Of course, a small number of carefully considered exceptions to these rules will be allowed. For example, some students with diabetes use mobile phone apps to monitor their blood sugar levels and require access to a phone for safety reasons. Digital literacy will continue to be valued, but the ban certainly supports boundary-setting and perspective.

The Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese Student Use of Mobile Phones and other Digital Devices at School Policy is available here

Written By

Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
www.parra.catholic.edu.au

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11 Dec 2025
From Facebook
Year 5 had the sweetest Science lesson yesterday. As part of their Science unit, Year 5 made gelato. While mixing, cooking and adding flavour, they explored how ingredients change from solids to liquids to gases, and identified which changes in the cooking process are reversible and which are irreversible. Lots of curious questions, lots of learning… and lots of smiles! Science never tasted so good!

10 Dec 2025
From Facebook
On Monday, we celebrated our End of Year Thanksgiving Mass, giving thanks for all the blessings of 2025. We also took time to farewell staff who are leaving us this year – their contributions, care, and dedication have made a lasting impact on our community. They will be greatly missed! A special farewell was given to our current Year 6 Captains, thanking them for their leadership and contributions throughout the year. At the same time, we are excited to welcome our student leaders for 2026. We look forward to the journey ahead and all that we will achieve together. Thank you to everyone who joined us in this special celebration of gratitude, reflection, and new beginnings.