The Educational Review Office (ERO) has found removing cell phones from the classroom has improved learning and reduced bullying, however, only half of secondary students follow the rules.
From April last year, students were required to keep their cell phones away during the school day.
Head of ERO’s Education Evaluation Centre, Ruth Shinoda says the removal of cell phones has had a really positive impact on students.
"The good news is that removing cell phones from classrooms hasn’t just improved learning, it has also improved behaviour and reduced bullying."
Eight in ten secondary teachers have reported removing phones has improved students' focus on schoolwork, and two-thirds of secondary teachers report students’ achievement has improved.
Shinoda says with the ban in place, teachers can spend more time on teaching and less on managing behaviour.
Three-quarters of secondary teachers report removing cell phones has improved student behaviour in the classroom.
Teachers also have reported students are now talking more and having good social interactions.
"School leaders and teachers have put in a lot of time and effort into getting cell phones put away. What is concerning is that the top reason students break the rules is to connect with their family."
The review found 3 in 5 rule-breakers go on their phone to contact, or reply to parents.
Wearable devices, such as Apple watches have also become more of a problem as students can still access apps just the same as they could on a phone.
ERO is recommending the government also consider further action to block social media during school hours and make parents more aware of the benefits of removing cell phones and how they can help.
