From the Director of Student Culture & Character Development

eSafety News

Next week during the Wellbeing part of your young person’s Tutor Time they will take part in some education on eSafety. The use and abuse of technology is an ongoing issue that no one is immune to if they use a mobile phone or a laptop. Please see the poster attached for links to the eSafety Commissioner’s website where there is a great deal of information on how to set boundaries and educate your young person.

Mobile Phones

BMGS is a school that endeavours to keep pace with modern educational ideas, practices and innovations. We are fully focussed on your young person’s education in the classroom and in the area of social and emotional learning. A great deal of research has been carried out on the impact mobile phones have had in classrooms around the world. We have looked at recent Australian research in making the decision to strongly discourage mobile phones at BMGS beginning this year.

Why Mobile Phones Should Be Banned from Schools?

Distraction from learning: A study by the University of Sydney found that students who use their phones in class have lower exam scores compared to those who don't. This study also determined that just having the phone in your pocket divided the students attention; lowering their level of concentration in the classroom.
Increased risk of cyberbullying: A study by the eSafety Commissioner found that over a third of Australian students have experienced cyberbullying.
Negative impact on physical and mental health: A study by Deakin University found that excessive phone use can lead to symptoms of depression, anxiety, and disrupted sleep patterns.
Decreased face-to-face social interaction: A study by the Australian Catholic University found that heavy phone use can lead to decreased face-to-face communication and weakened relationships.
Potential for cheating on exams: A study by Edith Cowan University found that almost one in five Australian students have admitted to using their phones to cheat on exams.
Addiction to technology: A study by the Australian Psychological Society found that over 50% of young people experience some level of phone addiction.
The Emergency Debate: The main reason that a parent or student will attempt to insist upon needing their phone in the classroom is that they want to be able to reach out to family or be reached by family in the case of an emergency. In order for the student in the classroom to be able to receive an emergency message they would need to be have their phone on to stay informed. They would also need to check their phone constantly to make sure they don’t miss that emergency message. While doing that the student is often distracted by a great deal of irrelevant messages and/or social media alerts throughout each class. This undermines a students’ ability to engage fully with their lesson.

BMGS has administrative staff answering phones throughout the school day. The school knows where your child is at any given time in the day. Therefore, any emergency call would be delivered straight to a student.

I understand your young person may travel a distance on public transport that requires them to carry a mobile phone. Therefore, students can bring their phones to school, but the phone must stay in their locker from 8:30am until 3:00pm. Students may make a quick check for a message on their phone at Recess and Lunch. The students who struggle to co-operate with this policy will have their phones confiscated and kept at Student Reception until a parent/guardian can pick it up. If there is a second infraction, then that student’s permission to bring a phone to school will be revoked. Of course, there may be a very important reason why your young person should keep their phone on their person throughout the School day. If this is the case, please contact me on 4757 9000 or email me at jhaines@bmgs.nsw.edu.au to discuss the matter.

Mrs. Jacqueline Haines

Director of Student Culture & Character Development