Mobile Phone Information

MOBILE PHONES AT THE CANTEEN

I provide notice that from the commencement of term 2, students will no longer be permitted to use smart devices as a payment method onsite.  The direction is in line with a Ministerial policy formally issued by the Minister for Education under section 5.2.1(2)(b) of the Education and Training Reform Act 2006 (Vic).

Rationale

Over recent months, we have monitored the use of phones as a payment method to ensure we can make an informed decision. Unfortunately, we have seen a significant increase in breaches of mobile phone policy throughout the school day with the most common reason for possessing a phone being payment at the canteen.

Staff attempting to manage the issue are left with a forced decision to either confiscate a phone and risk a student not eating lunch, or allowing them to continue unchallenged, often to find them using it inappropriately soon after. The ensuing conflict between teacher and student causes unnecessary stress and damages otherwise positive student – teacher relationships. 

Much like a ‘hands off’ policy aims to eliminate unnecessary physical risks through an easy-to-understand mantra, a ‘no phones’ policy aims to eliminate unnecessary digital risks and simplify the implementation of our policy. We are pursuing a return to healthy, positive interactions in learning spaces that are free from the distraction of social media, games, and other forms of external communication.

Implementation

Having reviewed our Mobile Phone policy, we feel confident that it already contains all necessary advice to act fairly and consistently. We also offer the following points of clarification to avoid misunderstandings after the term break.

1. Personal Use / Secure Storage: Students are encouraged not to bring a mobile phone to school unless there is a compelling reason to do so. All students who bring a mobile phone to school must have it switched off and stored securely during school hours. Using as a payment method will not be considered a compelling reason, nor will parent/family communication during school hours. Families are encouraged to contact their financial institution and arrange a physical debit card, use cash, or make use of the online lunch ordering system. Students are always welcome at the office if urgent parent communication is required.
    
2. School Hours: While our policy refers to the banning of phones during ‘school hours’, families should note that the ‘Enforcement’ section of the policy will apply to all ‘inappropriate use of mobile phones’ on school grounds, regardless of time of day or parent supervision. This means that possession of a phone before and after school will be granted leniency, however ‘inappropriate use’ as outlined in the policy will not be tolerated at any time of day
    
3. Exceptions: Valid reasons for Exemptions/Exceptions and Exclusions to are outlined within the College policy. Permission to use a phone for payment is not considered a valid reason for use of phone, even when no other payment method is available to students. 

We are confident that families who act on this advice in a timely manner will see no negative impact on their child’s experience at school. In addition, it is our goal to make our school a safer environment for everyone.

Our mobile phone policy is scheduled for review next term. Feedback is welcomed from all families and should be directed to altona.co@education.vic.gov.au