ERO Report Confirms School Phone Ban Boosts Focus, Behaviour and Achievement

Education Minister Erica Stanford says the data provides clear validation of the Government’s decision to remove mobile phones from classrooms within its first 100 days in office.

New research from the Education Review Office (ERO) has confirmed the Government’s nationwide ban on cell phones in schools is producing strong results, improving student behaviour, classroom focus, and academic achievement. The findings support the Government’s broader education reform agenda, which is centred on lifting student outcomes and narrowing the achievement gap across the country.

Education Minister Erica Stanford says the data provides clear validation of the Government’s decision to remove mobile phones from classrooms within its first 100 days in office.

Strong Gains in Classroom Focus and Student Achievement

ERO’s study shows that removing the distraction of mobile phones is already making a measurable difference in secondary schools:

• 79% of teachers reported improved student ability to focus on work

• 61% reported better student achievement

• 77% said student behaviour had improved

• 69% saw reductions in bullying within their school

Minister Stanford says these findings demonstrate that restricting cell phone use is not only enhancing learning conditions, but also contributing to healthier peer relationships and a more settled school environment.

“These results are clear evidence that removing the distraction of cell phone use has a positive impact on student achievement and wellbeing,” she said. “Students are developing stronger connections, concentrating for longer periods, and building better learning habits.”

Parents Still Key to Supporting the Policy

Although compliance rates are strong among younger students, the report highlights challenges among older year groups. Approximately one-third of Year 12 and 13 students are not fully adhering to the rules, with the most common reason being messaging parents during the school day.

Stanford says parents have an important role to play in reinforcing expectations: “Parents can be confident we’re giving their children the best chance to reach their potential, but they can also help by supporting consistent boundaries around phone use.”

Recommendations from ERO and Future Policy Options

ERO has made several recommendations to strengthen the success of the policy, including:

• Increasing the visibility of the benefits of reducing digital distractions

• Sharing clear examples of effective compliance practices across schools

• Updating advice and guidelines for school leaders based on the latest evidence

• Considering an extension of the ban to cover smartwatches, which may also disrupt learning or provide backdoor access to messaging apps

The Minister says the Government will review these recommendations carefully, acknowledging the rapid evolution of digital technology and its impact on young people.

“We know access to technology is changing quickly. The first step was banning cell phones. We will now think carefully about future policy considerations,” Stanford said. She noted that schools retain the autonomy to make decisions that best suit their communities, even as national guidance evolves.

Part of a Wider Push to Lift Student Achievement

The findings come as the Government continues its drive to reverse declining educational outcomes and restore core learning in New Zealand schools. Stanford says early indicators show that the Government’s reforms—ranging from curriculum reset efforts to stricter behaviour expectations—are helping schools create environments where students can better succeed.

“We remain committed to raising achievement and delivering better outcomes for our young people. This report is yet more evidence that our reforms are working,” she said.

The Government expects to release updated guidance to schools later this year, ensuring consistent implementation of the ban and supporting school leaders to maintain strong, distraction-free learning environments.