Senior School Mobile Phone Lockers (Years 7 and 8 in 2024)
Over the last few months, the College has explored options to reduce the impact of mobile phones on student learning and the social effects of their misuse in a school context. WA government schools banned mobile phones in schools at the commencement of the 2020 school year and other states followed.
The College has a mobile phone policy stating that mobile phones must be switched off between 8:00am and 3:15pm. During this time all communication with parents should go through Student Services. We acknowledge that the majority of students adhere to this rule. However there is still a presence of mobile phones in classrooms, the cafe and toilet blocks around the College.
The presence of mobile phones in pockets is a significant distraction to students and their learning. With constant notifications, messages, and access to social media platforms, students are easily tempted to divert their attention from their studies. This distraction not only hampers their ability to concentrate but also disrupts the learning environment for their peers.
Mobile phones can be a source of cyberbullying and online harassment. With the anonymity provided by online platforms students may engage in harmful behaviour towards their peers leading to emotional distress and even long-term psychological effects.
With these points in mind and after consultation with the Year 12 Leaders, Student Voice Committee and Parent Christian Life Committee the College has decided to introduce student mobile phone lockers for Years 7 and 8 in 2024 with the roll-out to continue year on year until all students in the Senior School are using the lockers.
In 2024 students in Years 7 and 8 will be required to lock their mobile phones in lockers provided by the college during the school day. Families will pay a nominal levy for the lockers which will be included in the 2024 Fee and Levy Schedule. The Year 7 and 8 mobile phone lockers will be in and around the café, K block toilets and the Maali Mia Theatre. This will require students to bring an alternative source of payment for the café, such as a bank card or cash.
In 2025 the lockers program will be expanded to Year 9 and 2026 Year 10 and so forth, until all year groups are required to use the lockers. There may be some exemptions in extenuating circumstances such as medical reasons. Students in the STTC are currently required to lock their mobile phones away in their lockers and the new Mobile Phone Locker policy will align with this.
If you would like some more information or have any questions about the introduction of Mobile Phone Lockers, please contact Mr Terry Eason (Associate Principal) by email at terry.eason@swan.wa.edu.au
Frequently Asked Questions
Do mobile phones affect Mental Health
The excessive use of mobile phones has been linked to negative impacts on mental health. Research has shown that excessive screen time can lead to increased feelings of anxiety, depression, and social isolation among young people.
Does my child need a Mobile Phone?
No, some parents may choose for their children to have a phone in case of emergency during travel to and from school on the bus.
What happens if my child is found in possession of a mobile phone
Students found in possession of a Mobile Phone will be subjected to consequences as outlined in the College’s current Mobile Phone Policy.
1st Instance – Mobile Phone confiscated and taken to Student Services. The student can collect it at the end of the school day.
2nd Instance – Mobile Phone confiscated and taken to Student Services. The student can collect it at the end of the school day and the parent will be contacted.
3rd Instance – Mobile Phone confiscated and taken to Student Services. A parent meeting will be arranged to collect it.
4th Instance – Parent and Student meeting with the Director of Wellbeing.
What happens if my child requires their phone for medical purposes
Students who need their mobile phones to monitor medical conditions will be exempt from locking them away. However, a medical certificate is required and arrangements must be made through the Dean of Year.
Will my child be late for class or the bus
Adjustments will be made to the College Timetable to provide adequate time for students to lock their phones away at the start of the day and retrieve them at the end of the day.
How will the mobile phone lockers be secured?
Students will be provided with a combination lock to secure their locker. Lockers will be secured and covered by cameras.
Can my child access their phone during Recess or Lunchtime
No, students may not access their mobile phones during the school day.
How does a student purchase from the café
Students can use a bank card or cash to purchase at the café.
Device and Phone Insurance
With the price of these devices, parents must consider covering mobile phones and devices on their home and contents insurance policies.
Can my child wear a Smart Watch?
Over the course of 2024 the College will consider the use of Smart Watches at the College. Smart Watches will be acceptable in 2024.
If my child does not bring a phone to school will we be charged the levy?
Only students in Years 7 and 8 who bring a phone to school are required to use a phone locker and will be charged the phone locker levy.
What do I do if I need to contact my child in an emergency
Students who need to contact their parents during the school day can do so through Student Services.