Mobile Phones Off and Away policy starts Term 4, 2023
The NSW Government has announced restrictions on the use of mobile phones in NSW high schools beginning in Term 4, 2023.
Granville Boys High School has made changes to the way mobile phones are accessed by students during the school day by implementing the Phones Off and Away policy. The new system is being implemented to increase focus in classrooms, remove distractions and to also promote positive social interaction, while reducing the potential for online bullying.
Increase focus in classroom and promote positive social interaction
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. Granville Boys High School 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 mobile devices management plan at Granville Boys High School applies to mobile phones and occurs during all school hours, including break times such as during lunch and recess, as well as while students are on school-based excursions.
Students will still be able to carry their phones while travelling to and from school.
School staff can allow students to use their mobile phones in specific circumstances, such as for an educational purpose, for their wellbeing or to support students with specific needs.
Mobile Phones Off and Away
After careful consideration with our key stakeholders including the Student Representative Council (SRC), P&C, staff and executive teams, we have decided to proceed by using the option of Phones Off and Away to reduce the distractions of students in the classroom.
Granville Boys High School has elected to use the following approach. All mobile phones will be ‘off and away’ for the full school day, including recess and lunch. This will mean that students will have a responsibility to turn off their phone and store it safely in their school bag for the course of the school day. The phones will remain off and away in their bags until they leave the school grounds at the end of the day. This ban will include recess and lunchtime, sport and excursions.
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.
We are excited to make our school a mobile phone-free space to improve learning and engagement, however, we will always make sure you can contact your child in an emergency. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the school directly on 9637 0489.
