PEEL HIGH SCHOOL

Mobile Phone and Electronic Device Usage Policy

Rationale

It should be recognised that the distribution and utilisation of mobile communication within our community is widespread and diverse in its application. As a part of our community, Peel High School accepts its role in social education with the establishment of this policy to educate the students in our care in the responsible use of mobile communication devices.

Acceptance of the presence of mobile phones and electronic devices in our school respects the wishes of parents to provide additional security for their children covering their journey to and from school.

Policy

  1. Students and their parents/caregivers should be advised of the following information relating to the use of mobile phones and electronic devices at Peel High School:
  1. While mobile phones and electronic devices are not banned from school, like all valuable items, the school recommends that students do not bring them to school.
  1. If students choose to bring mobile phones and electronic devices to school the student and Parents/Carers accept all responsibility for their security. The school accepts no responsibility should mobile phones and electronic devices be lost or stolen.
  1. Staff may confiscate a mobile phone or electronic device if it is being used inappropriately.

“InappropriateUse” includes being used in a way that is:

  1. Contrary to school rules;
  2. Disruptive to the school’s learning environment, and;
  3. Contrary to any reasonable direction given by school staff about the use of the item.
  1. Inappropriate use of a mobile device could include a wide range of behaviour such as;
  2. Bullying, intimidating or otherwise harassing others through SMS/MMS or through photographic video or other data transfer systems available on the devices.
  3. Recording of conversations including lessons without the knowledge and permission of the teacher or those involved in the conversations.
  4. Downloading or accessing inappropriate material on the internet.
  5. Filming of fights or other criminal behaviour involving students that occur at school, during school activities or while on the way to or from school.
  6. Using it in a way that threatens or is likely to threaten the safety or wellbeing of any person.
  7. Using it in a way that disrupts an individual’s learning or is likely to disrupt the learning environment for others or interfere with the operation of the school.
  1. If mobile phones and electronic devices are lost or stolen at the school, staff are not required to investigate and the school will recommend that the student pursue the matter with the police.

The following use protocols must be observed.

Mobile phones and electronic devices MUST be turned off and away during:

-Class time

-Sport time

-Examinations

-Assemblies

-Excursions

-On work experience – in accord with workplace regulations

-At any other time when specifically requested by staff

Instances of contravention of this policy, in whole part, or part, will result in short term confiscation of the incorrectly used device. In the first instance, students can voluntarily hand over their phone to the staff member when requested which will be returned to the student at the end of that specific lesson. If a student refuses to hand over their device, executive staff can become involved and request that the phone be confiscated until the end of that school day. All phones/devices confiscated for a period of a whole day need to be logged in the property log (by the confiscating staff member) at the front office and locked in the school safe.

Further action will then be taken in accordance with the school’s discipline procedures.

Staff can consult the Department’s Bring Your Own Devices Policy in determining the safe access and usage of mobile phones and electronic devices in Teaching and Learning Programs.

Updated: 16/06/2014 T:\Teacher\Intranet\Policies\Done\Mobile Phone and Electronic Device Usage Policy.doc