Mobile Phones
INTRODUCTION
Holy Family Catholic Primary School recognizes that mobile phones are widely used. Generally, the use of mobile phones in schools should not automatically be of concern.
It is only if a mobile phone is used inappropriately that action may be necessary. Generally, a mobile phone will be used inappropriately if it:-
- disrupts or is likely to disrupt the learning environment or interferes with the operation of the school; or
- threatens or is likely to threaten the safety or well being of any person, or is in breach of any law.
Inappropriate use of mobile phones will include students using them to bully, intimidate or otherwise harass other people through any SMS or text message, photographic, video or other data transfer system available on the phone.
STUDENTS BRINGING A MOBILE PHONE TO THE SCHOOL
Holy Family Catholic Primary School appreciates parent contact, should a child require a mobile phone at school.
Mobile phones are sometimes viewed as enhancing security for students travelling to and from school. For this reason, students bringing a mobile phone into the school is usually not, of itself, enough to justify any action against the student. A blanket rule or policy that seeks to ban students bringing mobile phones to the school site is not in place at Holy Family School.
ACTION TAKEN IF STUDENTS USE MOBILE PHONES INAPPROPRIATELY
If students use mobile phones inappropriately, the Principal has the right to take action.
Depending on the circumstances, action can include the following:
- banning students from using mobile phones during the course of the school day;
- confiscating mobile phones from individual students;
- requiring students to hand in their mobile phones to designated school staff at the beginning of the school day for collection when students go home;
- applying student disciplinary provisions.
HOW DEVICES WILL BE CONFISCATED FROM STUDENTS
Action will be taken to securely store any mobile phone confiscated from a student. The phone should be securely locked away.
Arrangements will be made to return the mobile phone to the student at the conclusion of the school day. If this is not possible, it should happen as soon as practicable.
MOBILE PHONES DAMAGED OR LOST
Students and parents are reminded that students bring mobile phones to the school at their own risk – schools will not accept any responsibility for any loss or damage to mobile phones.
PORTABLE COMPUTER GAMES, WALKMEN, IPODS & SIMILAR DEVICES
The procedures applying to the inappropriate use of mobile phones apply equally to the inappropriate use of portable computer games, walkmen, ipods and similar devices.
PHOTOGRAPHS OR VIDEOS TAKEN IN SCHOOLS
Generally, taking photographs or videos on school premises should not occur unless the principal is satisfied that there is good reason. Where applicable, staff and parental or student permission will be obtained.
STUDENTS USING CAMERAS (INCLUDING MOBILE PHONES WITH IMAGE CAPTURE CAPABILITIES) INAPPROPRAITELY IN THE SCHOOL
If students bring cameras or video cameras into the school and use them in any way that:
- interferes with the learning environment or the efficient operation of the school; or
- threatens or is likely to threaten the safety or well being of any person, or is in breach of any law,
the school student discipline and welfare policy should be invoked. If necessary, the camera or video camera can be confiscated.
CONFISCATION OF CAMERAS
The same issues and procedures as outlined previously in relation to the confiscation of mobile phones apply.
STUDENT’S CAMERA DAMAGED OR LOST
The same issues and procedures as outlined previously in relation to mobile phones apply.