Smart glasses will be banned from all Western Australia public schools in the new term starting next month.
Education Minister Sabine Winton says the ban takes effect on October 12 and covers all students, staff, parents, carers, visitors and contractors on school sites
She says the ban is prompted by growing fears over the abuse of the technology which is becoming more widely available.
The WA Director-General of Education has instructed the public school principals to ban students, staff, parents, carers and visitors from wearing, using and storing smart glasses on site.
The ban will apply during all school activities on, and away from, school grounds but principals can make exemptions, the government says.
MORE: More bans are being adopted
SMART GLASSESS RAISES SAFETY FEARS
“Keeping students and staff safe at school is a priority … this ban is about taking a common sense, preventative approach,” Winton says.
“We know that smart glasses are becoming more accessible and can have a detrimental impact on people’s privacy and wellbeing.
“Students should be able to focus on learning, and teachers should be able to do their jobs without worrying they are being secretly recorded.
“Technology can be a great asset to teaching and learning, but there needs to be clear boundaries when it comes to devices that can make others feel unsafe.”
Director-General of Education Jay Peckitt says “the misuse of smart glasses can have dangerous and long-lasting implications for school staff and students”.
“I am confident schools, staff, students and families will support this change, which is designed to protect privacy and help keep school communities safe.”
Click here to visit the Department of Education website.
OTHER STORIES
