Hastings Secondary College Mobile Phone and Social Media Revised Policy 2019

Welcome to Country Biripai Land

Learning Intentions 1. Research on Mobile Phones and Social media on Teenagers 2. Overview of Campus Draft mobile Phone and Social media Policy 3. Discussion and Feedback

Data Recent Survey to Parents

2016 Deloitte Mobile Consumer Survey Australia has one of the highest global smartphone penetration levels. 9/10 Australian teenagers (14-17yrs) have a mobile phone. 27% of Australians don’t make a voice call in a week, stating they prefer to text message. 11% of Australians check their mobile phones immediately when they wake up 12% do the same before they go to bed, this is despite recommendations for people to switch off their phones at least an hour before bed 30% of Australians check their mobile phone in the middle of the night, of that, 70% respond, but this doesn’t include checking the time. This is most common among 18- 24 year olds who are checking instant message and social media notifications Disturbingly, one in 10 of us are using our smartphones when we’re crossing the road or driving, “Australians’ mobile phone addiction is worsening, and alarmingly it is increasingly affecting sleep, wellbeing and relationships,” said Mr Drumm.

Health Risks Apart from cancer risk, mobile phones influence our nervous system. They may cause headaches, decreased attention, shortness of temper, sleep disorders and depression, mostly among teenagers. Radio waves are not the only reason for such symptoms 1.Teen Tendonitis (TTT): What is the impact of mobile phones on young people’s social life? Teenagers are totally addicted to texting. Excess messaging can lead to Teen Tendonitis (TTT). It can cause pain in the hands, back and neck due to poor posture. It can also lead to impaired vision and even arthritis down the line. 2. Stress: Having a phone will tempt your teen to spend all day talking or texting, instead of doing anything productive. Studies have proven that teens who spend too much of their time with their cell phones are more prone to stress and fatigue. It can also lead to psychological disorders in some cases. 3 Cyber Bullying:. one-third of the teens are victims of cyber bullying. And almost half of the victims do not know the identity of the perpetrators.

Cyberbullying The causes of cyberbullying are ambiguous; what we do know is that cyberbullying is the deliberate, persistent and malicious use of words or pictures in an online environment intended to cause harm to someone’s wellbeing. Research undertaken by Kids Helpline found that the most common age for cyberbullying is the transition period between primary and high school when young people are around 11 or 12, but it happens throughout the teenage years so it’s important to be aware. Cyberbullying comes in many forms but the most common are: receiving intentionally hurtful text messages, emails or direct messages on social media sites people spreading rumours or lies about someone online people sending images or videos intended to humiliate or embarrass someone people sending threats to someone people setting up and using fake online profiles to embarrass or intimidate someone.

Revised Policy Mobile Phone and Social Media June 2019 The school allows the possession of mobile phones and other electronic devices at school, on the condition that they are used appropriately. The school cannot assist students if their phone is lost or stolen. Students bring their phones and other electronic equipment to school at their own risk. The Department of Education and Communities’ Legal Bulletin (35): The use of mobile phones, portable computer games, recording devices and cameras in schools and TAFE NSW institutes outlines the DEC policy and the procedures schools may use to respond to allegations of inappropriate use of mobile phones in schools. This document can be found on: https://detwww.det.nsw.edu.au/media/downloads/directoratesaz/legalservices/ls/legalissuesbul/bulletin35.pdf

Inappropriate Use What does this look like?   using it in a way that disrupts, or is likely to disrupt, the learning environment, or interfere with the operation of the school; bullying, intimidating, or otherwise harassing others through text messaging, or through photographic, video, or other data transfer system available on the phone; recording of conversations, including lessons, without the knowledge and permission of the teacher, or those involved in the conversation; downloading, or otherwise accessing inappropriate material (such as child abuse, or pornographic, or other offensive material) from the internet; filming of fights, or other criminal behavior, involving students that occur at school, during school activities, or on the way to or from school; using it in a way that threatens, or is likely to threaten, the safety, or wellbeing, of any person; and use that is in breach of any law.

When can the Principal/Deputy Principal confiscate or look at a student’s mobile phone and social media? Reasonable grounds may include but are not restricted to the following: 1. Material that falls within the meaning of sexting is found on the phone. Sexting involves sending sexually explicit or suggestive pictures to mobile phones or posting them on individual or inter-active websites such as Facebook. 2. The phone has been used to record fights or other criminal activity involving students occurring at a school, during school or institute activities or on the way to, or from, the school. 3. The phone has been used to take photos or record others without permission. 4. Material that is offensive or intended to bullying, harass, intimidate or threaten others has been posted on a social media site.

Potential Actions If evidence of inappropriate material or usage is found on a student’s mobile phone or social media site, the following actions may occur, depending on the level of seriousness. confiscating mobile phones from individual students by the DP applying student disciplinary provisions informing parents and carers reporting the matter to the police and the School Safety and Security Directorate  reporting the matter to the Child Well Being Unit in line with mandatory reporting guidelines referring the student to the school counsellor  

Potential Actions If a phone, or other device, is confiscated, action will be taken to securely store the device taken from a student. Under no circumstances will electronic devices be left in unlocked desk drawers, on teachers’ tables, or in staffrooms. Arrangements will be made to return the mobile phone to the student at the conclusion of the school day, or as soon as practicable.

Guidelines for use of mobile phones When the bell for class, or an assembly rings, all phones should be switched off or placed on silent mode (no buzzing or vibrating) and left in student’s bags. Students are not permitted to make calls, respond to calls or send SMS messages while in class. Mobile phones will remain switched off or set to silent mode unless permission is given by the teacher to use the phone as a learning tool. Under no circumstances should electronic communication devices be used during exams, or formal assessment tasks. No electronic devices may be used during assemblies, or meetings.  

Team Roles Students Adhere to the requirements of the Mobile Phones and Social Media – Acceptable Use Policy by using their device in a respectful manner. Hand over a device when requested without argument. Ensure device is turned off at that time. Collect device at the end of the day, or at the time of leaving school from the Deputy Principal.

Team Roles Support the school in the implementation of this policy. Parents and Carers Support the school in the implementation of this policy. Ensure their child fully understands the policy and its requirements. Provide support to the school in the implementation and enforcing of the policy. Communicate via front office administrative staff when emergency contact with your child is needed during class time. Arrange all student leave with school administrative staff. Stay engaged. Ask your child about their online experiences, who they are talking to online and whether they are having any issues

Team Roles Support the implementation of the policy. All Staff – Head Teachers / Teachers / SASS / Support Support the implementation of the policy. Reinforce the school’s Mobile Phones and Social Media – Acceptable Use Policy, through teaching students related expectations, utilizing a Positive Behaviour for Learning approach. Direct students not following this policy to the Deputy Principal, so that these devices can be securely stored by the DP until the end of the school day. Generate a Wellbeing incident recording the incident and action.

Team Roles Support the implementation of the policy. Principal / Deputy Principal Support the implementation of the policy. Securely store the mobile phones and other electronic devices of students not following these expectations until the end of the school day. Return devices at the end of the day or time of leaving. Follow school discipline procedures for students continually breaching this policy.