Mobile Phone Policy

RATIONALE:

Most students have mobile Phones. Mobile phones provide a quick and effective means by which students can communicate with parents and peers. It is necessary, therefore, for school administrators, teachers, students and parents to take steps to ensure that mobile phones are used responsibly.

GUIDING PRINCIPLES:

This policy has been designed to ensure that potential issues, resulting from inappropriate use of mobile phones, can be clearly identified and addressed. This will ensure that the benefits that mobile phones provide can continue to be enjoyed by our students.

The policy also applies to students during school excursions and extracurricular activities.

EVALUATION: Every 3 years or as directed by the Department of Education

IMPLEMENTATION:

All parents/carers and students will be provided with a copy of the policy and are expected to abide by it.

Acceptable Uses

Mobile Phones must be placed in the box at the front of the room and computers closed during lessons, excursions and extracurricular activities unless they can be appropriately incorporated into the learning program as directed by the teacher.
Mobile phones are not to be taken into any exams or SACs unless they are specifically allowed by the teacher in order to complete the SAC. The mobile phones will be placed in an appropriate place determined by the teacher or supervisor at the start of the exam or SAC and given back at the end of it.
Students may use their mobile phones before or after school, or during recess and lunch breaks. Parents are reminded that in cases of emergency, the school office remains the first point of contact. This will ensure that the student can be reached quickly and assisted in the appropriate way.
During class time:

The class teacher to direct all students to place their mobile phone in the classroom box
If seen after this it is to be collected from the student, placed in an envelope and given to the office and collected by the student at the end of the day
If this occurs on 3 separate occasions it needs to be collected by the parent from the office and parents will be required to participate in a meeting with the Year Level Leader. Unacceptable Uses

Students are not to use mobile phones during class time unless instructed to do so by a teacher as part of an educational activity
Illegal or inappropriate use of mobile phones or accessories such as cameras or recording devices will result in automatic suspension
Illegal or inappropriate use of mobile phones for purposes such as text message bullying or harassment will result in an automatic suspension.
Vulgar, derogatory or obscene language or song lyrics that result from the use of Mobile Phones will result in an automatic suspension

It should be noted that it is a criminal offence to use a mobile phone to menace, harass or offend another person. Should such incidents occur, the school may consider it appropriate to involve the police.

Theft or Damage

Students are required to be able to identify their mobile phones.
The school accepts no responsibility for replacing lost, stolen or damaged mobile phones.