Policy: Use of Cellphones at School

The Government introduced new regulations prohibiting the use of cellphones at school - also called ‘phones away for the day’. These regulations must be implemented by all State schools and are designed to ensure that teaching and learning in a school is maximised, and that the potential for distraction and using cellphones inappropriately is minimised.

How will this work at school - what are the rules?

The new regulations are applied through a number of rules:

• 'Away for the day' means that cellphones either do not come with the student to school, or are switched off and kept in a school bag for the full school day.
• Students will NOT be allowed to use cellphones during school hours - from the first warning bell at the start of the day, to the bell signalling the end of the day.
• Cellphone use is not allowed:
  • during class time, Ako Time or during any other activity that takes place at school
  • at break times - interval and lunch - as well as any transition time between classes.
• We recognise that some cellphones can be used as a learning tool in the classroom, therefore teachers may incorporate their use in lessons when appropriate. The teacher will determine when a cellphone may be used in class, and it will only be for teaching and learning purposes. At any other time, a student's cellphone will be out of sight and switched off.
• Students may be able to take their cellphone on EOTC events but will be advised on this by the teacher before the event starts. The use of a cellphone   during the event will be determined bu the teacher in charge of the event.
• If students bring their cellphone to school, they do so at their own risk. The school is not responsible for any loss, damage or theft of a cellphone.
• This policy and rules apply to all students at all school levels. 

Exemptions

Parents/caregivers can make a request to the principal ([email protected]) for a period of exemption from these rules for their child if required. Exemptions permitted for certain students and circumstances include:

• A specific educational purpose eg part of an Individual Educational Plan.
• Health purposes eg monitoring insulin levels.
• Disability or learning support needs.
• Translation needs for International or ESOL students.
• A special circumstance approved by the principal eg compassionate grounds.

 General

• If a parent or caregiver needs to contact their child during school hours, they should call the Office.
• If a student needs to make an urgent phone call, they can do so at the Office.
• Students will be permitted to access their cellphone, if they have it, during emergencies. Lockdown procedures have different requirements around cellphone use and students will be guided by their teacher on this. 

Inappropriate use of a cellphone, including using a cellphone when not permitted, will be managed through our Inappropriate Use of Cellphone Procedures.

Rules about cellphones made by the board are a school bylaw. The board consults with the school community when making or amending bylaws. We discuss school rules about cellphones at the beginning of the year, and throughout the year as needed.

 Inappropriate Use of a Cellphone Procedures

 Inappropriate use of a cellphone may include:

• Using the cellphone when not permitted.
• Any sort of bullying or harassment, including online bullying.
• Taking photos or videos of other people - students or staff - without their permission and/or sharing these.
• Forwarding or sharing inappropriate messages or content.

If a student is seen using their cellphone:

1.    Any student using their cellphone will have it confiscated. The phone will be placed in the Office and held securely.

2.    If this is the first time their cellphone is confiscated, the student will be able to collect it from the Office at the end of the day.

3.    If it is the second time (or more) that the cellphone is confiscated, a parent/caregiver will be required to collect the cellphone from the Office.

If there is repeated and/or ongoing use of a cellphone, despite the above process occurring, then a further range of responses may be used which may include:

• the cellphone may be confiscated for a longer period of time
• parents/caregivers may be required to collect the cellphone
• the cellphone may have to be handed in to school at the start of the day for a period of time 
• a meeting with whānau may be requested to discuss the student not bringing the phone to school

 Failure to comply with a request to hand a device over to a staff member is defiance, and ongoing issues with inappropriate cellphone use is continual disobedience. These behaviours will be managed as part of our normal behaviour management procedures.