Wellbeing
Mr. John Ryan - Deputy Principal
Mary MacKillop Catholic Regional College Mobile Device Policy Reminders
In 2023 College Leadership developed a new Mobile Device Policy for the College. The policy applies to all students at the College. The College entered into conversations with staff, students, and parents about the impact the policy may have on the wellbeing for learning and processes during an academic day at the College.
What is a mobile device?
A personal mobile device applies to all mobile devices. It most specifically refers to (but is not limited to) mobile phones. It also includes (but is not limited to) digital cameras, portable audio devices, personal tablet computers, smartwatches, and other similar devices. It does not refer to school-approved scientific calculators. Mobile devices are brought to the College at the owner’s own risk. No liability will be accepted by the College in the event of loss, theft, or damage of the phone
What is the rationale for such a policy?
In recent times there has been a significant increase in the accessibility of personal mobile devices for students. The mobile phone has become one of the most influential advancements in technology over the past decade. Mary MacKillop College encourages the use of new and changing technologies in learning. The use of personal mobile devices to support learning is encouraged. Mary MacKillop Catholic Regional College acknowledges parents may wish their child to carry a mobile phone for personal safety reasons however, the right of a student to have access to a mobile phone at the College must be balanced with the responsibility to use it appropriately.
Mary MacKillop College acknowledges that the proper use of personal mobile devices can be an asset to learning, support communication and socialisation, and can also be an aid to increase student safety. As such, the College policy and procedures must support the use of technology through personal mobile devices for a range of purposes and benefits. It is also recognised, however, that research has asserted that there are distinct negative factors associated with the overuse of personal mobile devices in a learning environment.
It has been shown that:
Even when people are successful at maintaining sustained attention (e.g., when avoiding the temptation to check their phones) the mere presence of these devices reduces available cognitive capacity. Having a smartphone turned on or off, lying face up or face down on a desk does not matter - having a smartphone within sight or within easy reach reduces a person’s ability to focus and perform tasks because part of their brain is actively working to not pick up or use the phone. The College personal mobile device procedures aim to find a balance between promoting the benefits of the responsible use of technology for learning and the caution against learning distraction that can come from such use.
What are the key features of the policy?
- All mobile devices are to be kept out of sight
- A three-breach system per semester for every student in the College
- Exemptions approved by the Deputy Principal
- Unacceptable use. Section 5.4 outlines
- Personal mobile devices are not permitted during academic classes or during breaks (e.g.: recess or lunchtime) Restricted to area (Canteen purchases).
- Students must not use their personal mobile device for social communications during the school day, unless given permission from a classroom teacher. This includes communication with parents. Students are asked to inform a teacher in the first instance if they are feeling unwell or have a concern about issues that have arisen over the course of the school day.
The policy will allow students to use mobile devices during the academic day:
- If given permission by the Teacher in Charge during times of academic instruction
- Before the commencement of Homeroom
- After the conclusion of the academic day
The policy was being developed after extensive consultation in 2022 and 2023. Please ring the College and ask for John Ryan on 56624255 or email jryan@mmcrc.catholic.edu.au to enter into a discussion about the policy.
The policy is located at: