Should mobile phones be banned in schools?

Editor's note

Should mobile phones be banned in Australian schools? After the NSW government announced a review into phone use in schools and Finnish education scholar Pasi Sahlberg linked phone-related distraction with Australia’s slide down international test scores, we asked five experts if they supported a ban. And only one of the five said yes.

Sophie Heizer

Commissioning Editor, Education

Top story

We should teach students how to use technology appropriately, rather than banning it. Shutterstock

We asked five experts: should mobile phones be banned in schools?

Sophie Heizer, The Conversation

Four out of five experts say we shouldn't ban mobile phones in classrooms.

Environment + Energy

Plastic-free campaigns don't have to shock or shame. Shoppers are already on board

Louise Moana Kolff, UNSW

Plastic bags will soon be gone from major supermarkets and many other shops too. Campaigns to reduce plastic even more should focus on positive advice, rather than shaming shoppers for their plastic use.
Tandem virus cocktail kills pest rabbits more effectively

Corey Bradshaw, Flinders University; Louise Barnett, Flinders University; Thomas Prowse, University of Adelaide

Feral rabbits previously exposed to myxoma virus are more likely to be killed by rabbit haemorrhagic diease, meaning that these two biocontrol agents can become even more powerful when used in tandem.
New coal doesn't stack up – just look at Queensland's renewable energy numbers

Matthew Stocks, Australian National University; Andrew Blakers, Australian National University

There are calls from the backbench and elsewhere for the federal government to safeguard the future of coal. But do those calls make economic sense? A look at Queensland's energy landscape suggests not.
Tony Abbott loses traction in his fight on energy

Michelle Grattan, University of Canberra

Malcolm Turnbull and Energy Minister Josh Frydenberg had clear Coalition party room support on Tuesday to decisively stare down a fresh sortie by Tony Abbott on the National Energy Guarantee.

Arts + Culture

RuPaul's Drag Race is still figuring out how to handle gender and race

Scott McKinnon, University of Wollongong

RuPaul's Drag Race, now in its tenth season, is an extraordinary success. But the show valorises a specific form of masculinity and is still grappling with a rapidly changing discourse around gender.
One story, two languages: sign and spoken language share the theatre stage

Andreea S. Calude, University of Waikato; Laura Haughey, University of Waikato

A New Zealand theatre company stages plays that blend spoken and sign language, giving audiences a chance to experience Deaf culture and identity.
Spells, charms, erotic dolls: love magic in the ancient Mediterranean

Marguerite Johnson, University of Newcastle

Erotic spells were a popular form of magic in ancient Greece and Rome. Ancient spells were often violent, brutal and without any sense of caution or remorse.
Pinchgut brings yet more exciting surprises to opera with Handel's Athalia

Zoltan Szabo, University of Sydney

Pinchgut's typically excellent production of Athalia brings vividly to life the tale of the rogue Biblical queen.

Politics + Society

UN set to review Australia's record on women's rights – and may find it wanting

Maria Nawaz, UNSW; Anna Cody, UNSW

Australia's record on women's rights will come under scrutiny, including its treatment of Indigenous women and girls, sexual harassment and violence against women.
Politics Podcast: Tanya Plibersek on Labor's taxing times

Michelle Grattan, University of Canberra

Tanya Plibersek talks on Anthony Albanese's Whitlam oration, Bill Shorten's unexpected announcement on rolling back company tax for medium sized firms, and the "tough" byelections.
When it comes to childcare, grandparents are the least stressful option for mum and dad

Brendan Churchill, University of Melbourne; Lyn Craig, University of Melbourne

New research shows that parenting stress is lowest if grandparents do some of the care - as opposed to more formal arrangements.
Erdogan's victory will have far-reaching implications for Turkey and the Middle East

Mehmet Ozalp, Charles Sturt University

With the Turkish leader winning yet another election, the stage is set for him to consolidate his power at home and in the world.

Business + Economy

The government's bank reforms wouldn't have saved us a royal commission

Clinton Free, UNSW; Hannah Harris

In choosing not to impose restrictions on bonuses and commissions, the government left untouched the incentives for inappropriate financial advice and lending decisions.
To appreciate its power, think of design as a drug

Agustin Chevez, Swinburne University of Technology

The design of a workspace can actually have similar effects to a drug on those who create it, consume it or pursue it.
Telstra may be simpler, but where will revenue come from?

Mark A Gregory, RMIT University

The new strategy is centred on investment in 5G while making Telstra smaller and simpler. But 5G might not fill the A$3 billion hole caused by the NBN.

Cities

Community pool projects show how citizens are helping to build cities

Timothy Moore, Monash University

Community proposals for public swimming pools are popping up all over the country. But individuals need to work with governments to ensure these projects actually get off the ground.
Vertical retirement villages are on the rise, and they're high-tech too

David Tuffley, Griffith University

Tech-savvy baby boomers are driving the trend towards retirement living in high-rise city apartments.

Health + Medicine

Three charts on: why rates of mental illness aren't going down despite higher spending

Graham Meadows, Monash University; Joanne Enticott, Monash University; Sebastian Rosenberg, Australian National University

An unfairness in how Australia’s mental health care is delivered can be seen in our data. The areas with the most need aren't getting the right amount of funding, or services.
HealthEngine may be in breach of privacy law in sharing patient data

Paul Maluga, Macquarie University

An online medical appointment booking organisation was sharing personal information about the users of their platform with a plaintiff law firm.
How gardening can improve the mental health of refugees

Mandy Hughes, Southern Cross University

Gardening not only provides nutritious food, but a reminder of home for refugees.

Science + Technology

Even a microchipped pet can be lost if your data is out of date

Bronwyn Orr, University of Sydney; Susan Hazel, University of Adelaide

After you've finished reading this, take the time to ensure your dog or cat’s microchip details are up to date. It might just save your pet’s life.
Hacking your holiday: how cyber criminals are increasingly targeting the tourism market

Joe Burton, University of Waikato

A new report highlights the worrying trends confronting security professionals – from more sophisticated hacking methods to hack-for-hire products and targeted attacks on tourism websites.
Curious Kids: How was the ocean formed? Where did all the water come from?

Malcolm Walter, UNSW

The Big Bang created a cloud of dust and rocks that included a lot of rocks that were made of ice, like giant snowballs. That's where some of the water came from.
Monster hunt: using environmental DNA to survey life in Loch Ness

Neil Gemmell

Scientists are using environmental DNA to compile a census of life in Loch Ness and to establish if there is any scientific basis for the centuries-old monster legend.