Focus Weeks

Mobile Phones in Schools

Since Term 1, 2020 there has been in place a statewide mobile phone policy for all government schools. The policy means phones brought to school must be switched off and stored securely during the school day. 

The policy guidance states:

• Students who bring mobile phones to school must have them switched off and securely stored during school hours.
• For the purpose of this policy, a mobile phone is a telephone with access to a cellular (telecommunication) system, with or without a physical connection to a network.
• Exceptions to the policy may be applied if certain conditions are met. Exceptions can be granted by the principal, or by a teacher. Exceptions must be documented.
• Schools must provide secure storage.
• Schools are required to develop a local policy on students using mobile phones, which must include how this ministerial policy will be implemented and may include other personal devices in addition to mobile phones.
• Schools will manage non-compliance with their local mobile phone policy in accordance with their existing student engagement policies.
• Schools should review their local policy as part of their regular cycle of review for school policies.

Gisborne Secondary College reviewed and updated its own mobile phone policy in June 2022, which is available by clicking on the link or through the school website. 

The aim of this policy is to provide:

• a safe environment to learn without inappropriate mobile phone use (including cyberbullying) or distractions.
• greater opportunities for social interaction and physical activity during recess and lunchtimes.

The College has also developed very clear processes to ensure that students have every opportunity to be compliant with the policy. The systems in place and the importance of adhering to these are actively taught to all students through the mentor program within the school day.

As stated above there are rare instances that exceptions can be made for students working within this policy for medical, wellbeing or safety reasons all of which should be arranged by mutual agreement with our Wellbeing Team.

There is no doubt that the use of technology is important, but the risks and benefits from its use need to be managed, refer to our summary of research articles.

The College will be conducting a focus week on mobile phone and air pod use in Term 1, Week 5 (26th February – 1st March 2024). 

We endeavour as ever to work in partnership with parents to get the very best outcomes for our students, hence sharing this information with you through our school newsletter.

If you have any further questions regarding the mobile phone policy, please do not hesitate to contact our Assistant Principal Russell.wigginton@education.vic.gov.au . If you believe you son / daughter has grounds for an exemption to the policy, please contact the Wellbeing Team well-being@gisbornesc.vic.edu.au to arrange a discussion around this.