Mobile Phones & Digital Devices Policy

For the purposes of this policy, “digital devices” include mobile phones, smart watches, tablets, handheld gaming devices, and any internet enabled or recording device.

Introductory Statement

This policy has been introduced in response to technological advances, which has led to digital devices equipped with calling/messaging capability, cameras, internet access and/or recording facilities, being used inappropriately by children.

Please note discretion exists with the Board of Management to cover the fact that technology is constantly changing. The school cannot provide an exhaustive or explicit list of future electronic games and devices. The guiding principles of this policy are Student Safety and privacy as well as the promotion of learning.

This policy is supportive of: BOM & Parents Association of Cloonakilla NS “Smart Phone Voluntary Agreement”

Rationale

Digital devices are intrusive and distracting in a school environment
They are a potential and real source of bullying and abuse through texting and dissemination of unacceptable inappropriate images and/or recordings.
Strategies need to be in place to reduce the intrusiveness of unauthorized technology in a school situation
Some digital devices may be harmful due to frequent use.

Relationship to School Ethos

The use of digital devices may undermine a safe and secure school environment conducive to learning, a provision which is central to the ethos of our school.

Aims:

The school is committed to safeguarding children and staff and to complying with Child Safeguarding and Data Protection requirements regarding recording and image capture.
To lessen intrusions on and distractions to children’s learning.

Internal School Procedures

The following guidelines for mobile phones, Smart watches and electronic gaming devices:

We strongly discourage the ownership of smart phones by pupils in the school.
Pupils are not allowed bring digital devices into school.
Pupils are not permitted to be in possession of digital devices on school trips of any kind outside the school boundary.
Where a pupil inadvertently brings a digital device to school they must be handed up to the class teacher for the duration of the school day.
On returning the device to the child at the end of the day the child must ensure that it should not be used on the school premises or the school bus.
Children who need to contact home during school hours may do so through the school secretary using the school landline phone. If the call is of a private nature, his/her privacy will be honoured by the school secretary who will vacate the office for the duration of the call.
Parents who need to contact children during the school day may also do so through the school office.
Staff personal calls are confined to breaktimes except in exceptional circumstances or for school business.
Staff are requested to place mobile phone on silent/switch off during class contact time and keep phone out of sight of pupils.

Breaches of this policy

Pupils who ignore this policy and use a digital device on school premises without permission will be required to hand over their device to a member of the school team and parents will be asked to collect it from the school office. We expect full support from parents in this matter.

(Devices handed to staff will be stored in a secure location. While reasonable care will be taken, the school accepts no liability for loss or damage.)

Pupils using digital devices to bully other pupils or send offensive messages/calls will face disciplinary actions as per the school Bí Cinealta policy and/or Code of Behaviour.
If a child who has permission to bring a digital device to school persists in using the device on the school bus will have the privilege withdrawn.
The school will incorporate this policy in the school’s discipline policy and will treat breaches as they would treat any other breach of school discipline.

Lost, stolen or damaged phones/electronic games

Smartphone Voluntary Agreement