- Rationale
The increased ownership of mobile phones requires that school administrators, teachers,
students and parents take steps to ensure that mobile phones are used responsibly.
While it is acknowledged that providing a child with a mobile phone gives parents
reassurance that their child can contact them in emergency situations, or in risk situations
involving personal security and safety, this does not apply during the school day when
students have access to school phones and personnel. At the same time it is
acknowledged that senior students, in particular, are more mobile than previously as they
may be involved in traineeships, university programs and other activities, which take them
away from the school campus on a regular basis.
- Responsibility
It is the responsibility of students who bring mobile phones onto school premises to adhere
to the guidelines outlined in this document.
The decision to provide a mobile phone for children should be made by parents/guardians.
Parents/guardians should be aware if their child takes a mobile phone onto the school
premises.
- Security
Students are responsible for the security of their mobile phones.
The school accepts no responsibility for replacing lost, stolen or damaged mobile phones.
The school accepts no responsibility for students who lose, or have their mobile phones
stolen, while traveling to and from school.
Phones should be clearly marked with the name of the owner.
Junior School students with mobile phones should hand them in to their classroom teacher
to store during the day. Mobile phones belonging to Secondary School students should
be kept at the relevant Sub-School Office or in lockers at all times during school hours.
Students are advised to keep them well concealed and not ‘advertise’ that they have them.
It is strongly advised that students use passwords/PINs to ensure that unauthorised phone
calls cannot be made on their phones. Students should keep their passwords/PINs
confidential.Mobile phones which are found in the school, and whose owners cannot be located,
should be handed in to Student Reception, Sub-School offices or the Administration
Office.
- Acceptable Use
Mobile phones may be used prior to the start of the school day and after the conclusion of
the school day. Mobile phones should be switched off during the school day.
Before or after the school day, or at school related activities, students should use
soundless features such as text messaging, answering services, call diversion and
vibration alert to receive important calls.
- Non- Acceptable Use
The use of mobile phones during class time is not allowed.
Students should be aware that phones seen during class time will be confiscated for the
rest of the day and permission to have the phone at school may be revoked. Parents are
reminded that, in the case of emergency, the Sub-School Office and Administration Office
remain a vital and appropriate point of contact.
It should be noted that it is a criminal offence to use mobile phones to menace, harass or
offend another person. Students who use their phones to engage in personal attacks,
harass another person, or post private information about another person using SMS
messages, taking or sending photos or objectionable images or bullying other students, or
who use vulgar, derogatory or obscene language while using a mobile phone will have
their phones confiscated for a period decided by the Principal. Students should note that,
in extreme cases, the school may consider it appropriate to involve the police.
Cheating will be assumed if a student is found with a mobile phone in exams or
assessments. Consequences for cheating will then be applied as per the school policy.
September 2004
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