The Optus' Digital Thumbprint program is part of a two week roadshow across Port Macquarie, Taree, Kempsey, Armidale and Tamworth visiting over 2,280 students across six schools.

Hastings Secondary College Port Macquarie campus, deputy principal Damien Huens said students are seeing the benefits of online safety skills.

"Education of our students about their digital thumbprint is important so that they understand their online presence outside of school hours," Mr Huens said.

"The implementation of Yondr (mobile phone pouches) is going very well. Students are abiding by the policy, and we are having positive conversations with students. We have found the classroom environment is a lot more settled, and so is the playground during lunchtimes.

"We are now seeing students engaging socially in conversation. We are looking at different programs during lunchtimes that provide an option for physical exercises such as table tennis competitions, volleyball and library activities such as chess, board games, revision and reading books.

"Over the coming weeks, students will be surveyed to develop student-led ideas to develop further programs during lunch hours."

Year eight student Grace Adlington said she had her phone with her at school in year seven and is now seeing changes in year eight.

"I find myself talking to my friends a lot more because we don't have our phones out and we can have proper conversations," she said.

"I remember there would be a heap of kids just seating on seats and they would be all on their phones, but now you see them on the basketball court, playing footy or enjoying the library facilities.

"I would like to see some music playing as many kids want to listen to music to wind down and now they don't have their phones this would be an excellent idea for the college."

Optus Territory North West and Mid North Coast NSW general manager Chris Simon said the program ensures students take home valuable skills in cybersecurity, verifying credible information and creating a positive digital footprint.

"With the current situation driving more online activity, conversations around necessary precautions such as creating strong passwords and enabling privacy settings on social media have become more important than ever," Mr Simon said.

"It's important for us to highlight to students that they don't have to be an expert at navigating the internet to practice these safe habits."

Optus Digital Thumbprint Program is free for schools and does not promote any Optus products or services. The program has educated over 300,000 primary and secondary students across Australia to be safer and smarter online.

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