Premier Jacinta Allan and Deputy Premier and Education Minister Ben Carroll announced new legislation on April 1 to extend the ban on devices to non-government schools.
The legislation includes banning wearable devices such as smart watches and wireless earbuds, making Victoria the first state to legislate restrictions on wearable technology.
St Anne's College principal Anthony Butts said St Anne’s had had a strict phone policy since the school opened seven years ago.
“It certainly helps when you have the highest authorities backing up what we believe and put in place so long ago,” Mr Butts said.
“It’s difficult for children to escape their screens, so any policies or laws put into place help.
“I support any government policies that support schools in ensuring learning is at the highest possible level,” he said.
Mobile phones were banned in Victorian public schools in 2020.
Greater Shepparton Secondary College executive principal Barbara O'Brien said the existing ban had been successful.
“We were having lots of issues before, now we’re able to teach without interruption and kids are able to concentrate better in class,” Ms O'Brien said.
“We have found that there is more activity in the yard, students are playing sports and chatting more instead of going on their phones.
“It’s created a calmer environment; there is less anxiety between kids.”
Ms O'Brien said the school had not banned smart watches before, but she thought it would be easy to implement, as not many students had them.
“Banning air pods and headphones were already part of our phone policy,” she said.
Under the new legislation, mobile phones must be switched off and stored away from first to final bell and wearable devices must have notifications, cellular connection and recording functions switched off.
Additionally, personal audio devices must not be used during school hours.
The government said exceptions applied for students that required devices to monitor health conditions.
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