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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01 Apr 2026
From Facebook
As we come to the end of the sacred time of Holy Week at school, we would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to our Year 6 students for the beautiful way they led our school community through our Holy Week reflections. Your maturity, reverence, and deep knowledge were evident in every moment. You guided our younger students with care and respect, helping them to better understand the significance of this sacred time and supporting them in their own faith journeys. We are incredibly proud of the leadership you have shown and the example you have set for our community. Thank you for walking with us so thoughtfully through Holy Week.

31 Mar 2026
From Facebook
A friendly reminder to our families that our Project Compassion Market Day will be held this Thursday! If you haven't done so yet, please purchase your ticket via the QKR app. This special event is an opportunity for our students to put their faith into action as we raise money to support remote communities in gaining access to clean water. Through this initiative, we are living out the Catholic Social Teachings of Solidarity and Human Dignity, recognising our responsibility to care for others and ensure all people have access to the basic necessities of life. We look forward to a wonderful day of community, generosity, and compassion. Thank you for your ongoing support in helping our students make a meaningful difference.