Mobile Communication Devices
Rationale
Mobile Communication Devices (e.g. mobile phones) are important modern day communication tools, essential in providing a safe and effective school environment. However, they can easily be improperly used, lost or damaged and must therefore be effectively managed.
Aim
To utilise the benefits of mobile communication devices whilst managing the problems they can potentially cause.
Guidelines
Teachers in charge of all excursions, camps and trips involving students must ensure the school’s mobile phone or similar appropriate communication devices accompany each trip.
The school’s mobile phone is not to be used for private calls, with the exception that staff are permitted to contact families or loved ones during overnight camps or if an excursion is returning late.
Students are not to use the school’s mobile phone without permission directly from the Teacher in Charge. Use by students is to be avoided where possible.
In order to minimise classroom disruptions, teachers are requested to have their mobile communication devices switched off during class time.
Students are not to bring personal mobile communication devices to school unless permission from the Principal has been successfully sought by parents who have outlined the health, safety or personal reasons that justify the student bringing a mobile phone to school. During the day students’ mobile communication devices are to be kept in the general office, if possible in a secure location, and collected at 3.30 p.m.
The school does not accept responsibility for lost or damaged student mobile communication devices.
The Principal may revoke a student’s privilege of bringing a mobile communication device to school.
Outcomes
Mobile communication devices are being used in a constructive way
Mobile communication devices are not disrupting school programs.
Evaluation
This policy will be reviewed as part of the school’s major/minor policy review cycle.
