KILBRIDE NATIONAL SCHOOL
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Mobile Phone & Electronic Games Policy
Introductory Statement
This policy was drawn up in response to technological advances, which have seen a significant increase in hand held electronic ‘gadgets’ amongst the school population over recent years.
Rationale
- IPods, IPads, smart phones, mobile phones, Game Boys, PSP’s, MP3’s etc. are intrusive and distracting in a school environment
- Strategies must be put in place to reduce the intrusiveness of unauthorised technology in a school situation
- Some electronic devices may be harmful due to frequent use
- Mobile phones may be used to conduct bullying campaigns
Relationship to School Ethos
The use of mobile phones and other electronic games contravenes the provision of a safe and secure school environment and is not conducive to learning – a provision which is central to the mission statement and ethos of Kilbride National School.
Aims
- To ensure a “technology free” school environment in relation to child’s personal technology use.
- To lessen intrusions on and distractions to children’s learning.
Internal School Procedures
The following are the guidelines for mobile phone/electronic games usage in the school:
- Children are not allowed to use mobile phones/electronic games during school hours.
- Pupils are not allowed to bring mobile phones or electronic games into school. In exceptional circumstances, such as when out of school activities and after school games are scheduled, school tours etc., children may be allowed carry a phone as parents may need to be contacted.
- Children who need to contact home during school hours may do so through the school secretary using the school landline phone.
- All calls made from the school landline phone are written down in a log book.
- All electronic gadgets are banned, even during after school activities.
- Any pupil who brings a mobile phone or electronic game to school risks having it confiscated and not returned until the school day is over.
- Staff have access to the school landline if urgent calls need to be made to parents.
- Classroom supervision is usually organised if a class teacher has to contact other professionals or outside agencies in relation to a particular child.
- Staff personal calls are normally confined to break times and are only made from the school landline in emergency situations.
- Staff are permitted mobile phone usage only in cases of emergency.
Roles and Responsibilities
All members of staff share in the co-ordination and implementation of this policy.
Evaluation
This policy is monitored on an ongoing basis and amendments added as new technology comes on stream.
This policy was approved by the Board of Management in the academic year 2018/2019 and will be reviewed in the academic year 2019/2020.