The NSW Labor party is seeking ways to address the issue of smartphone misuse in schools. One of the ways currently being considered is the use of mobile phone jammers. This technology aims to crack down on phone usage during class hours, thus allowing students to focus more on their studies. The Labor leader, Chris Minns, has already announced the party’s plan to ban mobile phones outright in schools if elected to government. However, alternative technologies are also being explored to support the phone ban. In summary, the NSW Labor party is taking significant steps to ensure that students receive a quality education by reducing smartphone distractions during class time.
The use of mobile phones in schools has become a major concern for educators as they affect students’ concentration and academic performance. Therefore, the Australian Labour Party is exploring the potential of emerging technology to combat this problem. They believe technology could play an important role in addressing the issue of mobile phones in schools.
Shadow education minister Prue Car confirmed that the party is considering the use of phone jammers. This technology has already been deployed in two of the state’s jails in Lithgow and Goulburn to prevent the use of illegal mobile phones by inmates.
By using phone jammers in schools, the government would be able to prevent students from using their phones during class time, allowing them to focus on their studies. However, the decision would require careful consideration and the development of appropriate policies to ensure the technology is used effectively and responsibly. Overall, it remains to be seen whether phone jammers will become a common tool in Australian schools or not.
The technology prevents phones from ringing and texting as well as access to social media.
It would however allow authorised phones to make phone calls like teachers and administration and students with medical conditions.
“When it comes to emerging technology it seems we could be in a position to have someone with a medical condition to have access emergency technology but ensure there is a ban in place for everyone else using it for social media,” Minns said.
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), which licences the phone jamming technology, said it had received a proposal from the tech operator.
“Following extensive trials, the ACMA has approved the use of phone jammers in two regional New South Wales gaols,” the authority said.
“In those cases, the technology is used to stop the illegal use of mobile phones by inmates.
“The ACMA has not licensed or otherwise authorised the use of devices intended to block mobile phones in schools.
“Any technology designed to prevent mobile phone use in schools is likely to operate in parts of the spectrum used by mobile operators for surrounding public mobile phone networks.”
Educell, a tech operator, has been identified as using phone jamming technology in order to block mobile phone signals in prisons. However, they have not yet applied for an exemption to use this technology. The ACMA has requested additional technical information from Educell to better understand their proposal and are currently analyzing this information. The use of phone jamming technology is a controversial and complex issue as it has both positive and negative implications. The ACMA must consider all aspects before making a decision on whether to grant an exemption for Educell to use this technology.