MobilePhoneUsePolicy.doc

Mobile Phone Use Policy Rationale When used appropriately, mobile phones offer students, their parents and staff advantages in terms of ease of communication and a sense of personal safety. While discouraging students from bringing mobile phones to school, Putney Public School accepts that some parents give their children mobile phones to protect them from everyday risks involving personal security and safety. However, mobile phones have the capacity to have a negative impact on the learning environment and when used inappropriately can put the safety and well being of students at risk. The widespread ownership of mobile phones among young people requires that the staff, students and parents at Putney PS take steps to ensure mobile phones are used in a responsible and safe manner. Purpose ? The purpose of this policy is to ensure that: mobile phone use does not disrupt the teaching and learning environment for any student or teacher; potential risks to student safety and well-being posed by inappropriate use of mobile phones can be identified and addressed; students, staff and parents have a clear understanding of school guidelines and personal responsibilities related to the appropriate use of mobile phones. Responsibility Putney PS strongly discourages students from bringing mobile phones to school. However, in the instance that parents feel it is necessary for their child to have a phone in their possession at school, it is the responsibility of the student to abide the appropriate use guidelines outlined in this document. The decision to provide a mobile phone to their children should be made by parents or guardians who should be aware that their child is bringing a mobile phone to school. Permission for students to have a mobile phone at school is contingent on parents and students signing the Appropriate Use of Mobile Phones at School agreement. It is the responsibility of all staff and parents to comply with the appropriate use of mobile phones gui