Mobile Phone and Smart Device Policy 

Reminder - Mobile Phone and Smart Devices are not permitted during School Hours

In accordance with the Victorian Department of Education & Training’s Mobile Phones Policy issued by the Minister for Education, personal mobile phones must not be used at St Justin’s Primary School during school hours, including lunchtime and recess, unless an exception has been granted.

This policy takes effect at the commencement of the 2020 school year and complies with the direction of the Victorian Minister for Education under Section 5.2.1(2)(b) of the Education and Training Reform Act 2006.

Scope: This policy applies to students and student mobile phones brought onto school premises during school hours, including recess and lunchtime. 

Definitions: Mobile Phone: is a telephone with access to a cellular (telecommunication) system, with or without a physical connection to a network. (DET 2020) For the purpose of this policy, ‘mobile phone’ refers to mobile phones and any device that may connect to or has a similar functionality to a mobile phone such as smart watches. 

Policy: St Justin’s Primary School discourages students bringing personal mobile phones to school. It does; however, acknowledge that some students may bring a personal mobile phone to school, particularly if they are travelling independently to and from school. 

• Mobile phones are not permitted for use at St Justin’s Primary School during school hours. 
• Students who choose to bring personal mobile phones to school must switch them off and hand them to their classroom teacher prior to the commencement of the school day. 
• Exceptions to this policy may be applied if certain conditions are met (see exemptions) 

When emergencies occur, parents or carers should reach their child by calling the school’s office.

Exemptions: Exemptions to this policy may be applied during school hours where certain conditions are met. There are three categories for exemption

• Learning related exemption Health and well being-related exceptions.
• Exceptions related to managing risk when students are offsite. 

Exemptions may only be granted by the principal, or their nominee upon a formal request from a student’s parent or carer. All exemptions must be documented noting that, to avoid administrative burden on the school, this requirement can be met by including exceptions in documents that the school regularly uses.