Students’ use of Mobile Phones in Schools Management Plan
Rationale and Objectives
Chifley College Bidwill Campus supports the restrictions of mobile phones in accordance with the NSW Department of Education: Students’ Use of Mobile Phones in Schools policy. Mobile phone use in schools can impact student learning and wellbeing. Restricting mobile phone use at school aims to increase focus in classrooms, remove distractions and promote positive social interaction, while reducing the potential for online bullying. Chifley College Bidwill Campus has strong teaching and learning practices to support students in the classroom using various forms of appropriate technology, which maximises the benefits and minimises the risks of digital environments and prepare students for life beyond school. We foster a safe learning environment which supports and enhances each child’s social and emotional health through our wellbeing and learning support teams.
Chifley College Bidwill Campus has elected to use the following approach. All mobile phones will be ‘off and away’ for the full school day, including recess and lunch. This will mean that students will have a responsibility to turn off their phone and store it safely in their school bag for the course of the school day. This is an approved NSW Department of Education option and will limit unnecessary distractions and complement our ongoing approach to ensure every student maximises their learning and social growth in a safe and supportive environment.
School Process to restrict mobile phone access.
After careful consideration, we have decided to proceed by using the option of Mobile Phones being turned off and kept out of sight, to reduce the distractions of students in the classroom.
What does this mean?
· Students will turn off their phone when they arrive at school and place it in their bag or pocket.
· Phones are not able to be used at any time during the day either in classes, on breaks or during recess and lunch, during excursions or any other school event.
· Where teachers require students to use their phones to support an educational activity, the teacher will provide explicit instructions on how and when the phone may be used.
· Students may turn on and use their phones once the school day has ended.
Mobile Phone use for educational purposes
School staff can allow students to use their mobile phones in specific circumstances, such as for an educational purpose, for their wellbeing or to support students with specific needs. Where this is required, staff will provide explicit instructions to students about how and when the phone may be used, and when the phone must again be switched off and put away.
Exemptions
We understand there may be students who have a medical, wellbeing or learning need which will require them to access a mobile phone as defined in this plan. Parents/Carers and students wishing to apply for an exemption for healthcare reasons will need to complete the application for exemption form and submit it to the administration office. The application form may be obtained from the office by parents or students as required. The School will use the provided informant to determine where an exemption is appropriate in consultation with the wellbeing and learning support teams. Any exemption will be supported with adjustments to any school-based practices and procedures as outlined in the students individual education plan.
Contacting students
Chifley College Bidwill Campus understands there will always be emergencies when parents need to get in contact with students or vice versa during the school day. We try to keep this to a minimum, except for emergencies, to avoid disturbing the students’ learning. Parents and carers can contact the school through the school office 02 9628 2222 and students will also be able to contact parents or carers through the school office if urgent.