Term 3, Week 8

Mobile Phones

I would like to take the opportunity to remind everyone about our mobile phone policy, why it is in place and seek everyone's support in following this process. We are aware that in today’s society most students have access to mobile devices and other technologies such as smart watches. Our challenge is to support students to navigate the use of this technology in a way that does not have a negative impact on their learning and overall sense of wellbeing. For this reason, we developed a school wide policy regarding mobile phones at school several years ago. The newly elected State Government has implemented a ban on mobile phones across all NSW public schools from the beginning of term 4. Considering this, it is appropriate to remind the entire St Joseph’s community of our mobile phone policy.

In essence the use of mobile phones at St Joseph’s is banned. Students are required to turn their phones off once they arrive at school (i.e. as they walk through the gates). They are then allowed to turn their phones on once the school day has ended at 3:25pm. In some cases, students may be given permission from a teacher to use a phone for educational purposes e.g. seniors taking photos of major projects as part of the process of completing their folios. Students found to be using their phones outside of these guidelines will have their phones confiscated and held at the front office where they can be picked up at the end of the day.

We have recently noticed an increase in students not prepared to follow this policy. Not only does this detract from learning, but it also creates a lot of unnecessary extra work for teachers and office staff as well. There is overwhelming evidence that supports the positive impact of a ban of mobile phones in schools in generating positive learning outcomes and decreases in behavioural issues. In short, the benefits include:

• Fostering focussed learning as students are more engaged in what is happening in the classroom when free from distractions of SMS, and social media notifications.
• Supporting wellbeing by encouraging students to engage in face-to-face interactions with fellow students and teachers.
• Reducing cyberbullying and digital stress as the 6 or so hours at school can provide students a respite from constant digital exposure they may have outside of school.
• Fostering responsibility by forcing students to manage their time and communication outside of school hours helping them to better develop time management practices and prioritise academic responsibilities.
• Enhancing teacher-student interactions by focussing on supporting and understanding students rather than having to enforce disciplinary measures for actions that in no way support the key goal of learning.

Whether it is learning to play an instrument, writing an essay, solving a maths problem or playing a sport, one of the key ingredients to being successful is to be present and concentrating to understand and develop the required knowledge and skills. School should be a place where students switch off their phones and switch on their minds. All we are asking is for everyone's support to have students turn their phones off for 6 or so hours out of a 24 hour day.

For decades before mobile phones were so prevalent families would contact the school office if there was a need to contact a student throughout the day. This is a very efficient process, and we ask that families support our efforts in this matter by continuing to follow this process should the need to contact your student arise.

By creating a distraction-free environment, promoting face-to-face interactions, and reducing digital stress, we aim to equip our students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed academically and in life. We believe that this decision will ultimately benefit our school community and prepare our students for a future where they can responsibly use technology as a tool for learning and growth.

We ask for the communities’ support regarding this matter and that parents/carers discuss this with their students.

Mr Brett Moran 

Acting Assistant Principal