Wellbeing

A new Mary MacKillop Catholic Regional College Mobile Device Policy

At present, the College Leadership is developing a new Mobile Device Policy for the College. The policy will apply to all students at the College. The policy is progressing through the later stages of development. The College is starting to enter 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 brought to the College are 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 Catholic Regional 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 Catholic Regional 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's personal mobile device procedures will aim to find a balance between promoting the benefits of the responsible use of technology for learning and the caution against learning distractions that can come from such use. 

What changes can be expected?

The present policy allows students to use mobile devices during the academic day:

1. If given permission by the Teacher in Charge during times of academic instruction
2. A recess and lunchtime breaks

The new policy will allow students to use mobile devices during the academic day:

1. If given permission by the Teacher in Charge during times of academic instruction
2. Before the commencement of Homeroom 
3. After the conclusion of the academic day

The new policy is being developed after proper consultation. Parents will be further informed before such a policy is implemented. Please ring the College and ask for John Ryan on 03 5662 4255 or email jryan@mmcrc.catholic.edu.au to enter further discussion.