Policies
Mobile Phones & Electronic Devices
Mobile phones and Electronic Devices are an integral part of 21st Century life, however it is important that we use them in a manner that supports students’ academic, social and emotional wellbeing. In addition, the unregulated use of devices by students diminishes the quality of teaching in the classroom.
Mobile phones must be switched off(1) and, together with associated ear buds and earphones, placed in school bags during class time from the time they arrive at school to the conclusion of the school day, unless under the instruction of a teacher or staff member. Mobile phones should be ‘off and away all day’. This includes before school and at break times. All smart watches must be on ‘aeroplane mode’ so phone calls and messages cannot be sent or received during the school day.
This requirement is Department of Education policy and applies to all government schools and we would very much appreciate parent support in implementing the policy.
(1)Switching to silent is not sufficient as text messages and alerts are known to cause anxiety and are as disruptive as a phone call.
Off & Away All Day
Devices cannot be used during class to: –
- Make and receive phone calls and text messages.
- listen to music.
- take photos or video’s.
- receive or send images.
- use any form of social media.
Mobile phones and other devices may be used in the classroom environment only under the direct instruction of the classroom teacher for educational purposes.
Breach of policy procedures.
1.Students will have their device confiscated.
- 1st Offence – The device will be passed to Student Services, parents notified. The student will be able to be collect the device at the end of the day.
- 2nd Offence – The device will be passed to Student Services and then to the Principal. The student’s parents will be notified and a time arranged for the item to be collected from the Principal.
2.In the event that a student becomes defiant when asked to hand over the device the college will deal with incident under the Behaviour Management Policy and may result in a loss of Good Standing and a suspension from school of the student.
3.Students who use a mobile phone (still and video) to film people and their activities without their knowledge and/or permission and any student found to be involved in recording, distributing or uploading inappropriate images, videos of students, parents or staff on school premises may be suspended in line with Department of Education policy.
Remember
Students who bring mobile phones, or any electronic equipment, to school must accept full responsibility for the safety of the item. The Department of Education’s insurance policy does not provide cover for the private property of students.