The safety and wellbeing of students remains our highest priority. The initiative is grounded in research from the eSafety Commissioner, Raising Children Network and experts like Jonathan Haidt. Early smartphone use has been linked to disrupted sleep, reduced attention spans, increased anxiety and impaired social development. Delaying access supports healthier habits, stronger relationships and better academic focus.
Toowoomba Grammar School is proud to announce the introduction of a Smartphone Delay Agreement from the beginning of 2026.
This voluntary, community-led commitment encourages families to delay personal smartphone ownership until after Year 7, with the possibility of extending this through Years 8 and 9 by 2028. The decision follows extensive consultation with families, students, and staff, and reflects the School’s strong focus on student wellbeing and digital safety.
Research from the eSafety Commissioner, Raising Children Network and leading experts highlights the impact of early smartphone use on sleep, attention, mental health and social development. By delaying smartphone ownership, families can help reduce distractions, build stronger in-person connections and protect children from online risks.
Why TGS is taking the lead
- Nearly 90% of surveyed families supported a delay to smartphone ownership.
- Students acknowledged the distractions and pressures associated with smartphone use.
- TGS has a long history of strong mobile phone policies and leadership in digital wellbeing.
- This initiative provides families with a clear, collective framework to support their children.
Key points
- Voluntary community agreement, not a compulsory policy.
- Aligns with emerging national legislation and expert recommendations.
- Supports healthier and safer technology use for children.
- Boarding families will have structured communication access to stay connected.
Boarding arrangements
We recognise that boarding families have unique communication needs, and this has been carefully considered as part of the Smartphone Delay Initiative.
Boarding students will continue to have structured and reliable access to their phones to maintain regular contact with their families. Outside of these times, phones will be securely stored to help reduce distractions and support positive routines in the boarding houses.
Parents will also have a direct way to contact their sons through boarding staff if needed. This approach ensures families remain connected while supporting the wellbeing and focus of our boarders.
Next steps
The Smartphone Delay Agreement will begin from Term 1, 2026 for Prep to Year 7 families, with a phased approach for older students over subsequent years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the School proposing a delay in smartphone ownership until after Year 7?
Is this a mandatory policy or a voluntary agreement?
What if my child already has a smartphone?
How will this affect communication and safety?
What if my child feels left out or excluded socially?
What support will the school provide to families who participate?
What do students think about this?
How many families support this initiative?
Will this become a condition of enrolment?
What’s the timeline for implementation?
Why is the School proposing a delay in smartphone ownership until after Year 7?
Is this a mandatory policy or a voluntary agreement?
This is a voluntary, community-led agreement, not a school-enforced policy. Families are encouraged to participate to reduce peer pressure and create a shared standard and approach. However, our current School phone policy remains in place in 2026 and beyond, where mobile phones are not permitted during the school day.
What if my child already has a smartphone?
The initiative does not require families to take phones away from children who already own them. We are aware that some families may have already purchased a smartphone for their son and we encourage those parents to investigate the methods of locking down the device so that some features are disabled.
How will this affect communication and safety?
At present, all parents are encouraged to contact the School to get messages to their son. After hours, basic mobile phones (non-smartphones) that allow calls and texts can still be used for safety and emergency contact. The initiative focuses on delaying access to internet-enabled smartphones, not all forms of mobile communication.
What if my child feels left out or excluded socially?
This is one of the key reasons for a collective approach. By encouraging broad participation, the School aims to reduce the “Fear of Missing Out” (FOMO) and social pressure. If most students don’t have smartphones, the pressure to conform is significantly reduced.
What support will the school provide to families who participate?
The School will offer:
- Parent information sessions and expert panels
- Access to research and resources
- Sample family agreements and conversation guides
- Ongoing communication and community update
What do students think about this?
Surveys from each school show that many students acknowledge the downsides of smartphone use, including distraction and sleep disruption. While some expressed concern about social exclusion, many were open to alternatives and appreciated the idea of a shared standard.
How many families support this initiative?
Nearly 90% of surveyed families expressed support for delaying smartphone ownership until after Year 7, with many open to extending this through Years 8 and 9. Staff and student feedback has also been largely supportive. The Glennie School and Fairholme College had similar support within their communities.
Will this become a condition of enrolment?
No. While the agreement may be referenced in enrolment materials to inform families of the School’s position, participation remains voluntary and based on community consensus.
What’s the timeline for implementation?
Implementation will commence at the beginning of 2026 for Prep to Year 7 students.
