The ban, which takes effect at the start of term 4, applies to students, staff, parents, carers and even contractors. It also covers off-site locations where students and staff are representing their school, such as sports events and excursions.
Smart glasses, which look like ordinary eyewear but can capture images, video and audio with the press of a button, have attracted the nickname "pervert glasses" because it is not always clear when they are in use. Winton said the devices are becoming "increasingly popular" and "accessible and cheap", creating growing community concern about the risk of "careless, criminal and malicious activity".
"Smart glasses may look cool but there's absolutely no place in our schools or classrooms for them," she said.
The WA Education Department has not recorded any incidents of smart glasses being used irresponsibly in schools, and the minister described the move as preventative. "I just think it is a really important stance to take before this gets ahead of us," she said.
Exemptions can be granted by principals for students with special needs or medical conditions.
Other states are also moving to address the devices. The South Australian Greens are pushing for a statewide ban covering schools, gyms and swimming pools. South Australian Deputy Premier and Attorney-General Kyam Maher said he would seek departmental advice on the adequacy of current laws and is in discussions with the federal attorney-general about nationally consistent legislation.
In Victoria, restrictions on "wearable devices" including smartwatches and smart glasses will take effect from January 2027. Winton urged private and independent schools to adopt similar bans.
Every state and territory already has some form of restriction on personal mobile phones and devices, with WA among those banning their use during school hours.