Student Wellbeing

The Rules Around Student Use Of Mobile Phones During The School Day

Mobile phones and personal portable technology are important modern day communication tools, however, they can easily be improperly used, lost or damaged and must therefore be effectively managed.  The use of mobile phones and similar personal portable technology (electronic devices) in class can be disruptive to the learning environment of students.  It is acknowledged that in some circumstances such devices can be appropriately incorporated into the learning program. 

Rules For Students

Mobile phones and personal portable technology owned by students are brought to school at their own risk. The DET and Concord School do not accept responsibility for lost or damaged student mobile phones and personal portable technology, do not hold insurance for personal property brought to schools and will not pay for any loss or damage. 

If brought to school mobile phones and personal portable technology should not be used in any manner or place that is disruptive to the normal school routine.  Where appropriate teachers may give permission for students to use this technology within the classroom programs where it will assist them as a tool for their learning.  Apart from this, students should have their mobile phones and personal portable technology switched off and out of sight during classes and if a locker is available it is strongly recommended that it be locked away.

Lunchtime and Recess Breaks

Phones and Personal portable technology (PPT) may be used by students to occupy themselves during recess and lunch breaks. Examples of this would be listening to music or playing a game 

PPT is not permitted to be used for internet use or social communication.  This means, no phone calls, no texting, no internet use, no Facebook use between 8:45am and 3pm. Further section specific rules apply;

Primary: No PPT access during school day.

Secondary 7-8: Students may use PPT in class at discretion of teacher but not in yard at lunch or recess.

Secondary 9-12: Students may have their PPT in the yard for music or games only, no texting, phone calls or internet.

Students can access their phone (with staff permission) when there is a need to contact parents/carers in an emergency, for example when on excursion. 

Students are permitted to use their personal portable technology before and after school to keep them entertained while travelling on the school bus.

Actions will be taken against any student who photographs or films other individuals without their consent.  Action will also be taken against students who send harassing or threatening messages.

Consequences

Following a breach of school rules students will be required to hand their phone to a staff member for the duration of the lesson or break.  If the student does not hand the phone in as requested, the Principal may take possession of the phone and give it back at the end of the day.  In some circumstances the Principal or Section Leaders may ban a student from bringing a mobile phone to school.

Please contact Colin Simpson AP if you have any questions or concerns.

Colin Simpson,

Assistant Principal