Phones Away for the Day
Earlier this year, the Government introduced new regulation requiring schools to prohibit the use of mobile phones during the school day. The regulation comes into force for all schools from the start of Term 2 2024.
Phones away for the day
The use of mobile phones for students during school hours is not permitted at Burnside High school between 8.10 am and 2.40pm (2.30pm on Wednesday).
During Term 2 2024, regarding the amended timetable, the use of mobile phones is prohibited five minutes prior to Form time or class time at the start of the day, and at the end of Form time or class time at the end of the day.
This includes between classes, intervals and lunchtime. It must be switched off and in a bag. It must not be visible, in pockets or on your person and cannot be used. It must be turned off so that it is not heard.
AirPods and headphones will not be allowed during school hours unless connected to a laptop and used for educational purposes. Smart watches are to be switched to airplane mode during the school day.
Laptops/chrome books will be the only device used for learning outside of some specific class uses designated by the Head of Faculty. Laptops/chromebooks MUST come to school fully charged
Exemptions
In certain circumstances the Divisional Principal may permit the use of mobile phones; for example students with a medical condition which requires cellular monitoring.
The parent/guardian of the student can apply for an exemption to the Divisional Principal. A letter from a recognised medical authority may be required. An exemption photo card will be issued.
Where a student has been granted an exemption, they must only use their mobile phone for the purpose for which the exemption was granted, and in a safe, ethical and responsible manner.
Occasional requirement for classroom use:
In specific situations, staff may permit the use of mobile phones. Examples may include specific learning activities in the classroom, some field trips, sporting events and camps.
Specific learning activities are only those activities for which a laptop/chrome book cannot be used. However, there may be some specific learning activities that may include gathering evidence for an assessment in the form of a photograph.
If students are found to be using their phone during school hours, the student will be sent to the office to hand their cell-phone in. On the first offence the student will be allowed to pick it up at the end of the school day. On the second offence a parent /caregiver will be required to pick the phone up.
If a student refuses to go to the office to hand in their cell-phone, the Dean will be contacted and the student will receive disciplinary consequences.
Caregivers will be notified if a student has breached the use of Mobile Phone guidelines.
What if parents want to contact their child?
If parents need to urgently contact their child during the school day, they can contact the main office to have a message delivered to the student in class. Alternatively, whānau can send an email which can be accessed on a student's laptop. For students who need to contact their whānau during the day, they can use the phone at the front office.
If you are interested and would like to do some further reading around this issue, here are some noteworthy research articles supporting phones away for the day:
Smartphone distraction in the secondary classroom by Victoria University download available here
Are Smartphones making us dumb? Dr Mark Williams
Smart phones are making us stupid from an Australian University here
Andrea Magson
Associate Principal