Australia private school bans smart phones, tells parents they can buy Nokia flip phones
A private school in Sydney, Cranbrook School, has announced that from next year its younger students will no longer be allowed to use smartphones. Instead, the school is asking parents to provide basic “flip” phones — specifically models like the Nokia 2660 Flip or the Opel Mobile Flip Phone — for children in Years 3 to 6 when commuting to and from school.
According to the school’s junior-school head, Michele Marquet, the change is a response to recurring problems with inappropriate smartphone use during students’ commutes, especially on public transportation.
Under the new policy, phones will be strictly off-limits during school hours; only before and after school — for travel — will students be allowed a mobile device, and only a basic model at that.
The basic flip phones suggested by the school cost less than about US$100, depending on where they’re bought.
Cranbrook is not alone in making this move. Other private institutions in Sydney, such as Queenwood and Pymble Ladies’ College — as well as roughly 80 Catholic schools in western Sydney — have either already imposed or are planning similar smartphone restrictions.
The school and its supporters argue that the policy will help students concentrate better on learning, reduce distractions, and encourage more direct social interaction — both in class and during their commute.
