Western Sydney Catholic Schools hold the phone

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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04 Dec 2025
From Facebook
IMPORTANT TIME CHANGE Our Christmas Concert is tomorrow at 9am due to the predicted hot weather. The concert will still be held on the basketball court. Students will sit undercover. Parent seating starts on the court and extends onto the astro turf. Some seats will be provided, but families are welcome to bring their own. Please note parent seating will open at 8.30am. Students wear sports shorts, socks and joggers with their Christmas t-shirt: Kindy: Green Year 1: Red Year 2: White Year 3: Green Year 4: Red Year 5: Green Year 6: White Please send two drink bottles. One for the day and one frozen or iced for the concert. Students cannot be taken home early during the concert . Early pickups must be signed out with class teachers once the concert has finished and any alternative pickup must be noted in writing.

27 Nov 2025
From Facebook
A huge well done to all the students who took part in the Basketball Gala Day last week! Fantastic effort, brilliant teamwork and a great day all round. 🏀💪✨