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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16 Jan 2026
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🌿 Welcome Back to School! 🌿 We are delighted to welcome our students and families back to St Finbar’s as we begin a new year of learning and growing together. School commences for Years 1–6 on Monday 2nd February, with Kindergarten students starting on Wednesday 4th February. Please note that sports uniform days will be Mondays and Fridays throughout the year. We look forward to a wonderful year ahead filled with learning, faith and community.

16 Jan 2026
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🌿 You’re Invited – Opening School Mass 🌿 St Finbar’s warmly invites our families and wider community to join us for our Opening School Mass on Friday 20th February at 9:00am. As we begin the year, this special celebration is an opportunity for us to come together in faith, give thanks, and pray for a year of learning, growth, and connection as we continue growing together as a community. We look forward to welcoming you to share in this meaningful celebration with us.