The school supports the restrictions of mobile phones in accordance with the NSW Department of Education: Students’ Use of Mobile Phones in Schools policy.

Mobile phone use in schools can impact student learning and wellbeing. Restricting mobile phone use at school aims to increase focus in classrooms, remove distractions and promote positive social interaction, while reducing the potential for online bullying. Hurtsville Campus has strong teaching and learning practices to support students in the classroom using various forms of appropriate technology, which maximises the benefits and minimises the risks of digital environments and prepare students for life beyond school. We foster a safe learning environment which supports and enhances each child’s social and emotional health through our wellbeing and learning support teams.

The school has elected to use the following approach. All mobile phones are required to be turned off and placed in a locked pouch for the full school day, including recess and lunch. This will mean that students will have a responsibility to turn off their phone, place it in the locked pouch and store it safely in their school bag for the course of the school day. This is an approved NSW Department of Education option and will limit unnecessary distractions and complement our ongoing approach to ensure every student maximises their learning and social growth in a safe and supportive environment.

Hurstville Campus understands there may be students who have a medical, wellbeing or learning need which will require them to access a mobile phone as defined in this plan. Please insert your school process here (e.g., the principal will meet with each student and their parents and carers /the learning and support teacher will contact parents and carers) in order to determine where an exemption will be applied for on behalf of a student, as well as the adjustments to any school-based practices and procedures.

The school understands there will always be emergencies when parents need to get in contact with students or vice versa during the school day. We try to keep this to a minimum, with the exception of emergencies, to avoid disturbing the students’ learning. Parents and carers can make contact with the school through the school office [add telephone number/email/other channel] and students will also be able to contact parents or carers through the school office if urgent.

GRC Hurstville Campus