CELLPHONE USAGE MOVING FORWARD

In accordance with the regulations introduced by the NZ government, all state schools and kura are required to have student phone rules in use from the beginning of Term 2, reflecting the national ‘Away for the Day’ initiative. These rules are designed to ensure that the learning of all students is maximised, while minimising any potential for distraction and cyber-bullying. This means that from the first day of Term 2 at Freyberg High School, cellphones either do not come with the student to school, or are switched off or locked in lockers during the full school day (inclusive of intervals, lunchtimes and Year 13 study lines/free periods).

If a student does bring their cellphone for emergency contact or health reasons, these must be switched off and kept in bags at all times, unless directed by a teacher.

It is important to note that if students do make the decision to bring a cellphone to the school grounds, they do so at their own risk. The school is not responsible for any loss or damage caused to any cellphone.

We understand that some parents like their children to have a phone to communicate with them after school and cellphones will be available for students during the afterschool pick-up time. If a parent or caregiver needs to contact their child urgently during the day, they should call the office or contact their child via their school email address.

EXPECTATIONS

Students are always encouraged to regulate themselves and develop healthy in person relationships. In circumstances where a member of staff considers the device to be a harmful, disruptive, or distracting influence or that usage has breached the school cellphone rules the result will be confiscation for the rest of the school day. The device will then be retrieved by the student after school and the inappropriate use recorded in KAMAR.

Breaches of the cellphone rules include (but not limited to):

• using the device when not permitted
• any sort of bullying, including online bullying
• taking photos or videos of other people without their permission
• forwarding inappropriate messages or content.

Cellphones ‘away for the day’ exemptions:

• Learning activities

If cellphones are used for a learning activity, this will be at the teacher's discretion and the phone's use will be supervised by a staff member. Guidelines on appropriate usage still apply.

• Health and emergency situations

Students with additional learning needs who use cellphones in class to increase or improve their ability to participate and learn will be granted an exemption. In matters related to a student's immediate health and safety concerns, a parent or caregiver can apply at any time to the principal for a period of exemption (e.g., medical conditions or protection issues).

• Education outside the classroom (EOTC)

Students may take certain digital devices on EOTC activities but should check whether their device is allowed before the activity commences. Usage will be at the discretion of teachers and other adult supervisors. Please note with all exemptions and exceptions appropriate usage guidelines and other relevant school rules still apply.

FAQ

Can phones not be used at all between 8.50 – 3?

• If your phone is brought to school, you may only use it if your teacher sees it necessary for your learning in that class. All other times within these hours, they are not to be used.
• You may use your phone if you require it for health purposes, such as monitoring insulin levels. This will only be at the discretion of the school.

What happens if your phone goes off in class (despite being in your pocket/bag)?

• Your phone should be off or silent if it’s brought to school. If this situation happens by accident your teacher will ask you to take the phone out to turn it off. They may have to confiscate it to the Student Centre for the day, if this has happened before in their class.

What about people who use their phone for timetable questions?

There are a number of options to make sure you know what classes you have during the day:

• Your timetable is accessible through the student portal on the website, so can be checked throughout the day. You could screenshot it or take a photo of it at home and make it your screen-saver on your laptop.
• You could have a printed or handwritten copy taped to the top of your laptop or on a notebook/ diary you bring to school each day
• You could memorise it - thankfully we have a much simpler timetable this year!

Can my teacher give me permission to use my phone in class?

• Yes – you may receive permission from a staff member to use it if it is for learning purposes.

Can I use my phone on a school trip?

• This will be at the discretion of the teacher in charge of the trip and if it is for learning purposes.

Can I use my phone in the common room?

• No, not between the hours of 8.50-3pm.

What if my mum wants to get a hold of me?

• If any whānau member needs to get in touch with you, they will continue to use the channels of communication that exist now i.e. they can call the main office or the Student Centre and a message will be brought to you immediately.

What happens if I am caught using my phone?

• Your phone will be confiscated immediately to the Student Centre until the end of the day.

Can I use my phone to translate?

• If this is for learning purposes and you have received permission from your teacher, you are permitted to use your phone.

Can I use my phone to play Kahoot in class or assembly?

• Only if you are given permission by the teacher in charge that you are allowed to use your phone for this specific purpose.

What happens if I get caught lots of times on my phone?

• Any school rules that are repeatedly not followed is considered continual defiance and is a Tier Two behaviour. You will find that there will be a meeting with your HoS or dean, a meeting with your whānau and/or confiscation of the phone to the Student Centre until a parent or caregiver picks it up.

Can I use my smartwatch?

• The school will monitor how you are using any device at school and if it's seen to be a problem during school hours then the school will be discussing this with you and/or your whānau.

Does your phone have to be in your bag or can it be in your pocket?

• Your phone must be in your bag, or a locker, or at home. If you ask to go to the toilet during class-time your teacher will ask you to show where your phone is.

If I am at school before or after school hours (8.50-3), can I use my phone?

• Yes - unless you are taking part in co-curricular activities, or study/ catch-up sessions, or a detention, and it is inappropriate for you to use it at that time. The teacher in charge will give you guidance in this situation.

Am I still able to bring my phone to school to use before and after the school day?

• Yes, off or on silent - in your bag or locker.