Student Mobile Phones Policy "Off and Away All Day"

 

The Department of Education does not permit student use of mobile phones in public schools unless for medical or teacher directed educational purpose.
It is not a requirement at Mount Lawley Senior High School for students to have a mobile phone at school. The School has duty of care for all students when they are attending the school. All communication between parents and students, during school hours, should occur via the School's Administration.

This policy details the conditions under which mobile phones are permitted at Mount Lawley Senior High School.

CONDITIONS OF USE

Mount Lawley Senior High School recognises that parents/ carers who for safety, security and/or emergency purposes wish to provide their children with mobile phones. Students are permitted to bring a mobile phone to school for use when in transit to and from school.

  • The use of mobile phones for all students will be banned from the time they arrive on school grounds until the time they leave school grounds. This includes before school and at break times. Therefore, once a student enters the school grounds, they must turn off their mobile phone and put it away and out of sight until they leave the school grounds at the end of the school day. OFF AND AWAY ALL DAY.
  • The device is the responsibility of the student. The school takes no responsibility for loss, theft or damage to any device in any circumstance, even if confiscated at time of loss. Smart watches must be in 'aeroplane mode' so phone calls and messages cannot be sent or received during the school day.
  • This policy includes any electronic payments to the Dee Caf.  As an alternative student can obtain a debit card.

Exemptions to this policy include where a student requires a device

  • to monitor a health condition as part of a school approved documented health care plan (students who are exempt will carry a card).
  • under the direct instruction of a teacher for educational purposes; or with permission of a teacher for a specified purpose.

BREACHES OF THIS POLICY

  1. For the first breach, confiscation of the device by any staff member, stored at an Administration Office and returned to the student at the end of the day.
  2. For the second breach, confiscation of the device by any staff member, stored at an Administration Office and a parent/care giver will be required to attend to claim the device.
  3. For repeated breaches, and for refusal to follow the instructions of a staff member, students will be dealt with in accordance with the School's Behaviour Management Policy and lose their Good Standing.

Definitions for the purpose of this policy

Mobile Phones - includes smart watches and associated listening accessories, such as, but not limited to, headphones and ear pods/buds.

School Grounds – includes camps, excursions and/or any venue where students are under the supervision of teachers.