A leading Sydney private school will ban primary students from using smartphones from next year, instead encouraging families to purchase basic flip phones for children who need to stay in contact while travelling.
Cranbrook School in Bellevue Hill announced the change following the introduction of a national social media ban for children under 16, which takes effect on Wednesday.
In a message to parents, Junior School head Michele Marquet said the decision was driven by ongoing issues linked to smartphone use outside school hours, particularly during travel.
“We commonly have to deal with issues that have arisen from inappropriate smartphone usage when travelling to and from school, particularly on public transport,” Marquet said, according to the Sydney Morning Herald.
While Cranbrook already prohibits phone use during school hours, students in Years 3 to 6 are currently allowed to carry a phone for travel purposes. From next year, however, only basic devices — specifically the Nokia 2660 Flip 4G or the Opel Mobile Flip Phone — will be permitted. Both models are priced under $100.
Marquet said the change aims to keep students focused and socially engaged, both during the school day and while commuting.
“We believe this adjustment will help ensure students remain focused on learning and engaged with their friends during the school day and also when they are travelling to and from school,” she said.
Cranbrook joins a growing number of schools tightening restrictions on student phone use. Sydney private schools Queenwood and Pymble Ladies’ College have introduced similar rules, while 80 Catholic schools in Western Sydney will ban student phone use from the start of the 2026 school year.
Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese CEO Jack de Groot said the policy reinforces existing practices across most schools.
“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,” he said. “Of course, there is a place for mobile phones in our lives, but that’s not at school.”
Mobile phones are already banned in all NSW public schools.
The changes come as Australia’s under-16 social media ban takes effect this week, requiring platforms to verify users’ ages. Companies that fail to comply face fines of up to $32.8 million.
The platforms currently covered include Instagram, Facebook, Reddit, Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, X, Threads, Twitch and Kick. eSafety authorities have indicated that more platforms may be added.
Several companies have begun preparing younger users for account restrictions. Snapchat announced that from December 10, users suspected of being under 16 will need to verify their age using government-issued ID, a bank-linked ConnectID, or a selfie assessed using facial age estimation technology. Meta, which owns Facebook, Instagram and Threads, has announced similar measures.
The federal government is also preparing to defend the ban in the High Court after two 15-year-olds, supported by digital rights groups, launched a constitutional challenge arguing the policy infringes on freedom of expression.
Communications Minister Anika Wells said the government is confident it will successfully defend the law.
“We’re really confident that we can put forward a very strong case and be successful,” she said, adding she would spend the summer working on the legal defence.
The teenagers behind the challenge described the ban as “lazy” policy that would encourage fake accounts and limit political engagement among young people.
“Young people like me are the voters of tomorrow,” said plaintiff Macy Neyland.
The case was filed with support from the Digital Freedom Project.
News.com.au has contacted Cranbrook’s junior school for further comment.