BOT Policy on Cell Phones

 

Rationale:
The BOT is responsible for the academic, mental and physical wellbeing of the students at Ponatahi Christian School. Numerous studies indicate that cell phone use in school is detrimental to the overall student wellbeing at schools. Scientific evidence has demonstrated that students become more sociable, alert and active in the school environment without them. The overwhelming majority of the school community are in favour of a cell phone free school.

Objective:
The purpose of the policy is to set out clear guidelines for students, staff and parents regarding the possession and use of cell phones or personal electronic devices at Ponatahi Christian School. It is the intention of the policy to ensure that students feel secure at school, interact positively with their peers in a face to face manner, and enable staff to teach without the distraction that cell phones potentially bring into the learning environment.
Students should not have access to cellphones or personal electronic devices during school hours.

Procedure:
We do understand that students may take a cell phone or a personal electronic device with them for use on the way to school, or for after school use.
The school does not accept responsibility for lost, damaged, or stolen electronic devices.

If a student does bring a phone or other personal electronic device to school, the following guidelines apply:

• Students must have no access to their phone or other device from the time school starts at 8.25 am until after the closing devotions at 2.50 pm.
• After school, cellphones, or other device, may only be used to contact family members and/or employers to make travel, pick up, or work arrangements, etc. Device use on the school bus must also be for these reasons only
• Students found on phones or other prohibited electronic device during the school day must hand the device in to the teacher or principal. The principal will contact the parents / caregivers to inform them of the breach of rule.
• The principle may withhold a phone or electronic device for any length of time considered a reasonable consequence.

If a parent needs to contact their child urgently during the day, they should call the office in order to prevent their child’s electronic device being confiscated.
If a student needs to contact their parent(s) urgently, they should arrange this with the office.

Exceptions:

Medical Needs:
Students with obvious health care requirements i.e diabetes monitors etc are allowed to use their phones for this purpose.

School Trips and Camps:

• Students may take a cell phone, or other device, on school trips if the teacher gives permission to do so.
• Teachers are to ensure that during any trip, devices are used only as a communication or photography device and not for entertainment.
• On overnight trips, electronic devices are not permitted in sleeping quarters.
• Other electronic device use guidelines may be issued by the teacher in charge of the trip.