The policy would support the plea of tens of thousands of parents who have signed a petition to ban phones usage at school.
Opposition leader Chris Minns told The Daily Telegraph his policy would “help teachers to teach and students to learn in a focused and supportive environment.”
“Our kids are the first generation to be fully immersed in this technology, so we cannot be sure what the impacts will be on their young, developing minds,” he said.
NSW currently sits 23rd in reading, 31st in maths and 23rd in science compared to other countries in the Programme for International Student Assessment rankings.
Minns told 2GB schools will be able to determine the way the ban is enforced.
“Whether they collect all mobile phones at the beginning of the day or they just make it a blanket rule that you cannot take it out of your bag while class is in session,” he said.
The Briefing serves up the latest news headlines and a deep dive into a topic affecting you. Hosted by Tom Tilley and co-hosts Katrina Blowers, Antoinette Lattouf, Rhianna Patrick and Jamila Rizvi. Published Monday to Saturday at 6am for a thorough briefing on the news of the day. Hear it on the Listnr App.