Mobile Phone and Digital Devices Procedure
Purpose
This procedure guides student use of digital devices and online services at our school aligned to the following NSW DoE policies:
• Use of Mobile Phones in Schools policy
• Student use of digital devices and online services policy
Our school acknowledges the educational value of digital devices and online services in supporting and enhancing educational outcomes and student wellbeing. We also recognise they may cause harm if used inappropriately and that we need to support our students to use them in safe, responsible, and respectful ways.
Sydney Secondary College Leichhardt has strong teaching and learning practices to support students in the classroom using various forms of approved technology devices, which maximises the benefits and minimises the risks of digital environments and prepare students for life beyond school.
Scope
This procedure provides a consistent framework for the safe, responsible, and respectful use of digital devices and online services by students in our school. It sets out the shared responsibilities of school staff, students and parents and carers.
This procedure covers student use of mobile phones, unapproved digital devices, and online services in school-related settings, including on school grounds, at school-related activities and outside of school where there is a clear and close connection between the school and the conduct of students.
Our School’s Approach
At Sydney Secondary College Leichhardt campus- mobile phones are to be ‘off and away all day’ in student bags before students enter the school grounds.
For the purposes of implementation mobile phones and other unapproved digital devices such as tablets, mini speakers and gaming devices are not to be used at school. Associated listening accessories – such as but not limited to headphones, ear pods and ear buds may be used in class under teacher direction. Smart watches may be worn but must be on flight mode at school and not used to access call and messaging services or other wireless functions.
Laptops are approved learning devices and are subject to ‘acceptable use’ agreements. These can only be used for educational purposes and under teacher supervision. There is to be no gaming on laptops in class or during breaks.
The Leichhardt Way promotes Respectful, Responsible Learners as part of the positive behaviour for learning framework and reinforces the implementation of the mobile phone ban.
Students will follow established classroom procedures including the SSCL Classroom Routines which supp orts the responsible educational use of approved digital devices such as laptops, headphones, and digital cameras in the classroom under teacher supervision.
‘Off and away all day’ includes before and after school; during class, recess, and lunch; on school grounds or in designated spaces; off school grounds on excursions and other school events such as camps and off-site sport; on other educational sites such as TAFE; during detentions and examinations. Teachers will always be sensitive to student safety for example allowing students to call parents on mobile phones at the end of an evening school activity to arrange safe travels home.
Students who choose to bring mobile phones should have these ‘off and away all day’ in their bag or stored securely in a student locker. Students bring these devices to school at their own risk and the school is not responsible for damage, loss, or theft of such devices.
Regarding smart watches these should effectively be on flight mode when the mobile phone is “off and away all day” in student bags. Smart watches that are used for calls and messaging during the school day will be treated as a breach of the mobile phone ban.
If a mobile phone or other unapproved device needs to be surrendered to school staff as a disciplinary measure, it will be stored securely in the school office. Students will be required to pick up the unapproved device at the end of the school day after the final bell and prior to 3.30pm. It is the student’s responsibility to pick up the unapproved device at the end of the school day. The school is not responsible for the loss or theft of any items left overnight. In some instances, parents may be contacted to pick up the unapproved digital device such as a mobile phone from the school.
BYOD
"Technology should be integrated in meaningful ways to empower students to create and share their learning. Technology enables students to learn anytime and anywhere, and to make connections beyond the classroom. Effective use of technology is facilitated by classroom environments that are flexible and collaborative and are encouraged by pedagogies that are engaging and personalised." (Futures Learning Unit, NSW DoE, 2017)
All students are expected to come to school with a fully charged device that meets the device standards (see Appendix 1: Device Specifications. NOTE: Mobile phones and tablets such as iPads are not considered appropriate devices). Students should expect to use their device in most lessons.
Laptops are approved learning devices and are subject to acceptable use agreements. These can only be used for educational purposes and under teacher supervision. There is to be no gaming on laptops in class or during breaks.
There is a BYOD Equity Program to ensure the availability of devices for all students. In the case of financial hardship, students can borrow a loan laptop for the term. Additionally, day loan is available for students who forget their device or whose device is being repaired.
Access to online services
To help protect students (and staff) from malicious web activity and inappropriate websites, the school operates a comprehensive web filtering system. Any device connected to the internet through the school network will have filtering applied. The filtering system provides a layer of protection to staff and students against inappropriate web pages, spyware and malware, peer-to-peer sessions, scams and identity theft.
The only appropriate way for students to access online services at school is via the web filtering system. Accessing online services using an alternative system is not permitted. Mobile phones must be “off and away all day” and must not be used for hot spotting.
The school purpose-built web filtering solution takes a precautionary approach to blocking websites including those that do not disclose information about their purpose and content. The school’s filtering approach represents global best-practice in internet protection measures. However, despite internal departmental controls to manage content on the internet, illegal, dangerous, or offensive information may be accessed or accidentally displayed. Teachers will always exercise their duty of care but avoiding or reducing access to harmful information also requires responsible use by the student. Students are required to report any internet site accessed that is considered inappropriate. Any suspected security breach involving students, users from other schools, or from outside the NSW DET network must also be reported to the school.
Exemptions
Exemptions to any part of this procedure may apply for some students in exceptional circumstances. Parents and carers can request an exemption, and these will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Except where required by law, the school principal has discretion to consider and approve exemptions and to specify when and where the exemption may apply. The exemption may be ongoing or for a certain time. Parents/carers seeking an exemption must put their request in writing to the school principal outlining the exceptional circumstances. The principal retains the right to review and revise the exemption, especially in instances involving misuse.
Use of digital devices must be permitted if a student requires a digital device or online service for medical reasons or for reasonable adjustments made as part of their individual education plan as required by law. These are not considered exemptions.
Consequences
The SSCL Positive Behaviour for Learning policy is used to manage all behavioural issues at the school including inappropriate use of laptop device in the classroom or playground. Laptops are for educational use only.
If a student does not comply with teacher instructions, the classroom teacher will escalate the issue to their Head Teacher, so the issue can be resolved at the executive level. Further escalation will involve the Deputy Principal/Principal.
