Mobile Phone Policy

This policy applies to all current students of Woodcroft Primary School.

Woodcroft Primary School has established this policy so teachers, students and parents understand the appropriate use of personal mobile phones and smart watches during school hours.

In order for students to have a mobile phone at school during school hours, students and their parents/ guardians must first read and understand this policy.

It is acknowledged that providing a child with a mobile phone gives parents reassurance that they can contact their child before and after school hours. Parents are reminded that in cases of emergency during school hours our front office staff or classroom teachers are to be contacted. This remains a vital and appropriate point of contact so we can ensure your child is reached quickly, and assisted in any appropriate way.

Mobile devices must be switched off during school hours and must be left in students’ bags. They should not be removed during school hours.

The device must be turned off at the front gate and not turned on again until the child is ready to leave the school grounds at the end of the day.

Rationale

Mobile phones should not be used to make calls, send SMS messages, access the internet, take photos or any other application during the school day.

Teaching and learning is our core business and for this reason, mobile phones should not disrupt classroom lessons by ringing or beeping.

Theft or damage

Students who bring a mobile phone onto school premises must turn it off and put it in their bag as soon as they arrive. In order to reduce the risk of theft during school hours, students who have mobile phones are advised to keep them well concealed and not ‘advertise’ they have them.

Mobile phones which are found in the school and whose owner cannot be located should be handed to the front office. They will be kept in a secure place until collected.

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 travelling to and from school.

It is strongly advised that students use passwords/pin numbers to ensure no unauthorised use of mobile devices by other people. Students must keep their password/pin numbers confidential. Mobile devices and/or passwords must not be shared.

Inappropriate conduct

Students should never engage in personal attacks, harassment or post private information about another person.  The school’s behaviour code will be followed if students are found to be using mobile phones to bully or harass anyone. Parents of students affected by any bullying or harassment will be advised to lodge a complaint with their service provider and the police.  It should be noted that it is a criminal offence to use a mobile phone to menace, harass or offend another person.

These student expectations are outlined and linked to other school policies including responsibility for personal devices, our behaviour code and our grievance procedure.

Exceptions

A small number of students require a mobile phone for a medical purpose as documented in their health care plan. If your child fits this exception the front office will need a copy of the health care plan.

This policy will be reviewed every 3 years (in accordance with the Department for Education policy framework) or earlier if required by legislative or organisational imperatives.

Site managers will provide ongoing monitoring of their site’s/service’s compliance with this policy.

Supporting documents

Social media for schools and preschools policy (intranet only) social-media-for-schools-and-preschools-policy

Social media guideline (intranet only) social-media-guideline

E-crime, online bullying and cyber safety

There are many resources available for schools about e-crime, online bullying and cyber safety, including:

• Australian Curriculum
• eSafety Commissioner
• Connected | A community approach to bullying prevention within the school gates and beyond
• https://www.education.sa.gov.au/search/cyberbullying
• Cyber-safety, bullying and harassment
• Child protection curriculum – information for parents and carers