Mobile Phone Policy
Mobile Devices: Acceptable Use Policy (Students) - Updated 13/05/2021
1. Purpose
1.1. The widespread ownership of mobile devices among adult students and under 18s requires that school administrators, teachers, students, parents and carers take steps to ensure that mobile devices are used responsibly at school. This Acceptable Use Policy is designed to ensure that potential issues involving mobile devices can be clearly identified and addressed, ensuring the benefits that mobile devices provide (such as increased safety) can continue to be enjoyed by our students.
1.2. ELH has established the following Acceptable Use Policy for mobile devices that provides teachers, students, parents and carers guidelines and instructions for the appropriate use of mobile devices during school hours.
1.3. Students, their parents or carers must read and understand the Acceptable Use Policy as a condition upon which permission is given to bring and use mobile devices during school hours.
1.4. The Acceptable Use Policy for mobile devices also applies to students during school excursions, camps and extra-curricular activities both on the school campus and off-site.
2. Rationale
2.1. Our setting and wide travel areas for students and parents presents challenges when it comes to communications. The school recognises that personal communication through mobile technologies is an accepted part of everyday life but that such technologies need to be used well.
2.2. Personal safety and security
Our School accepts that students have mobile devices and parents/carers give their children mobile devices to protect them from everyday risks involving personal security and safety. There is also increasing concern about students and especially under 18s travelling alone on public transport or commuting long distances to school. It is acknowledged that providing a student and especially an under 18s child with a mobile phone/device gives parents reassurance that they can contact their child if they need to speak to them urgently.
3. Responsibility
3.1. It is the responsibility of students who bring mobile device to school to abide by the guidelines outlined in this document.
3.2. The decision of adult students to carry a mobile is made by the student and of providing a mobile device to their children should be made by parents or carers or under 18s. It is incumbent upon adult students and parents of under 18s to understand the capabilities of the devices and the potential use/misuse of those capabilities.
3.3. Adult students should be aware that they are bringing a device to school. Parents/carers should be aware if their child takes a mobile device to school. It is assumed household insurance will provide the required cover in the event of loss or damage. The school cannot accept responsibility for any loss, damage or costs incurred due to its use.
3.4. Adult students and students who are under 18 are responsible for keeping the school informed of their current mobile phone number to aid return if lost on the school campus.
3.5. Parents/carers are reminded that in cases of emergency, the school office remains a vital and appropriate point of contact and can ensure your child is reached quickly and assisted in any relevant way. Passing on messages through school reception also reduces the likelihood of disrupting lessons inadvertently.
4. Acceptable Uses
4.1. Mobile devices should be switched off and kept out of sight during classroom lessons and while moving between lessons. Exceptions may be permitted only in exceptional circumstances if the parent/carer specifically requests it. Such requests will be handled on a case-by-case basis and should be directed to Mihaela or Chris at the ELH office. Parents/carers are requested that in cases of emergency they contact the school first so we are aware of any potential issue and may make the necessary arrangements.
4.2. While on school premises at break times only, students should use soundless features such as text messaging, answering services, call diversion and vibration alert to receive important calls.
4.3. Mobile devices should not be used in any manner or place that is disruptive to the normal routine of the school (see below).
4.4. Students should protect their phone numbers by only giving them to close friends and keeping a note of who they have given them to. This can help protect the student’s number from falling into the wrong hands and guard against the receipt of insulting, threatening or unpleasant voice, text and picture messages.
4.5. The school recognises the importance of emerging technologies present in modern mobile devices e.g. camera and video recording, internet access, MP3 and MP4 playback, blogging etc. In the future teachers may wish to utilise these functions to aid teaching and learning and pupils may have the opportunity to use their mobile devices in the classroom. On these occasions pupils may use their mobile devices in the classroom when express permission has been given by the teacher. The use of personal mobile devices in one lesson for a specific purpose does not mean blanket usage is then acceptable.
5. Unacceptable Uses
5.1. Unless express permission is granted, mobile devices should not be used to make calls, send SMS messages, surf the internet, take photos or use any other application during school lessons and other educational activities, such as social events.
5.2. The Bluetooth function of a mobile device must be switched off at all times and not be used to send images or files to other mobile devices.
5.3. Mobile devices must not disrupt classroom lessons with ring tones, music or beeping. They should be turned off during lesson times.
5.4. Using mobile devices to bully and threaten other students is unacceptable. Cyber bullying will not be tolerated. In some cases it can constitute criminal behaviour. If the use of technology humiliates, embarrasses or causes offence it is unacceptable regardless of whether ‘consent’ was given.
5.5. It is forbidden for students to “gang up” on another student and use their mobile devices to take videos and pictures of acts to denigrate and humiliate that student and then send the pictures to other students or upload it to a website for public viewing. This also includes using mobile devices to photograph or film any student or member of staff without their consent. It is a criminal offence to use a mobile device to menace, harass or offend another person and almost all calls, text messages and emails can be traced.
5.6. Mobile devices are not to be used or taken into changing rooms or toilets or used in any situation that may cause embarrassment or discomfort to their fellow students, staff or visitors to the school.
5.7. Should there be more than one disruption to lessons caused by a mobile device, the responsible student may face disciplinary actions as sanctioned by the Headteacher. This may include a mobile device ban in school.
5.8. .It is unacceptable to take a picture of a member of staff without their permission. In the event that this happens the student will be asked and expected to delete those images.
6. Theft or damage
6.1. Students should mark their mobile devices clearly with their names.
6.2. Students who bring a mobile device to school should leave it locked away in their locker/bag when they arrive. To reduce the risk of theft during school hours, students who carry mobile devices are advised to keep them well concealed and not ‘advertise’ they have them.
6.3. Mobile devices that are found in the school and whose owner cannot be located should be handed to front office reception.
6.4. The school accepts no responsibility for replacing lost, stolen or damaged mobile devices.
6.5. The school accepts no responsibility for students who lose or have their mobile devices stolen while travelling to and from school.
6.6. It is strongly advised that students use passwords/pin numbers to ensure that unauthorised phone calls cannot be made on their devices (e.g. by other students, or if stolen). Students must keep their password/pin numbers confidential. Mobile devices passwords may not be shared.
6.7. Lost and stolen mobile devices in the U.K. can be blocked across all networks making them virtually worthless because they cannot be used. In the event of a loss or theft the school will assist in arranging blocking.
7. Inappropriate conduct
7.1. Mobile devices are banned from all examinations. Students are expected to hand devices to invigilators before entering the exam hall. Any student found in possession of a mobile devices during an examination will have that paper disqualified. Such an incident may result in all other exam papers being disqualified.
7.2. Any student who uses vulgar, derogatory, or obscene language while using a mobile device will face disciplinary action.
7.3. Students with mobile devices may not engage in personal attacks, harass another person, or post private information about another person using SMS messages, taking/sending photos or objectionable images, and phone calls. Students using mobile devices to bully other students will face disciplinary action. [It should be noted that it is a criminal offence to use a mobile devices to menace, harass or offend another person. As such, the school may consider it appropriate to involve the police.]
7.4. Students must ensure that files stored on their devices do not contain violent, degrading, racist or pornographic images. The transmission of such images is a criminal offence. Similarly, ‘sexting’ – which is the sending of personal sexual imagery - is also a criminal offence.
8. Sanctions
8.1. Students who infringe the rules set out in this document could face having their devices confiscated by teachers. If the device is being used inappropriately the student must give it to a teacher if requested.
8.2. On the first infringement of this policy the mobile device would be confiscated by the teacher and taken to a secure place within the school office. The student will be able to collect the mobile device at the end of the school day and a record will be made of the incident. A letter will also be sent to the parent/carer to inform them of the incident. The location and form of the secure place will be one deemed appropriate by the Behaviour Management Team.
8.3. On the second infringement the mobile device would be confiscated by the teacher and taken to a secure place within the school office. Parents will be notified and the pupil will not be permitted to collect the device without a parent/carer’s consent. If a parent/carer is unable to attend the school they are permitted to phone and give verbal consent for their child to collect the device and must speak to a member of the management team or student support. The incident will be recorded.
8.4. Any further infringements of the mobile device code of conduct may result in a ban on bringing a mobile device to school.
8.5. As set out in the previous section, failure to follow the rules set out in this document may result in an alleged incident – of a serious nature - being referred to the police for investigation. In such cases, the parent or carer would be notified immediately.
1. Purpose
1.1. The widespread ownership of mobile devices among adult students and under 18s requires that school administrators, teachers, students, parents and carers take steps to ensure that mobile devices are used responsibly at school. This Acceptable Use Policy is designed to ensure that potential issues involving mobile devices can be clearly identified and addressed, ensuring the benefits that mobile devices provide (such as increased safety) can continue to be enjoyed by our students.
1.2. ELH has established the following Acceptable Use Policy for mobile devices that provides teachers, students, parents and carers guidelines and instructions for the appropriate use of mobile devices during school hours.
1.3. Students, their parents or carers must read and understand the Acceptable Use Policy as a condition upon which permission is given to bring and use mobile devices during school hours.
1.4. The Acceptable Use Policy for mobile devices also applies to students during school excursions, camps and extra-curricular activities both on the school campus and off-site.
2. Rationale
2.1. Our setting and wide travel areas for students and parents presents challenges when it comes to communications. The school recognises that personal communication through mobile technologies is an accepted part of everyday life but that such technologies need to be used well.
2.2. Personal safety and security
Our School accepts that students have mobile devices and parents/carers give their children mobile devices to protect them from everyday risks involving personal security and safety. There is also increasing concern about students and especially under 18s travelling alone on public transport or commuting long distances to school. It is acknowledged that providing a student and especially an under 18s child with a mobile phone/device gives parents reassurance that they can contact their child if they need to speak to them urgently.
3. Responsibility
3.1. It is the responsibility of students who bring mobile device to school to abide by the guidelines outlined in this document.
3.2. The decision of adult students to carry a mobile is made by the student and of providing a mobile device to their children should be made by parents or carers or under 18s. It is incumbent upon adult students and parents of under 18s to understand the capabilities of the devices and the potential use/misuse of those capabilities.
3.3. Adult students should be aware that they are bringing a device to school. Parents/carers should be aware if their child takes a mobile device to school. It is assumed household insurance will provide the required cover in the event of loss or damage. The school cannot accept responsibility for any loss, damage or costs incurred due to its use.
3.4. Adult students and students who are under 18 are responsible for keeping the school informed of their current mobile phone number to aid return if lost on the school campus.
3.5. Parents/carers are reminded that in cases of emergency, the school office remains a vital and appropriate point of contact and can ensure your child is reached quickly and assisted in any relevant way. Passing on messages through school reception also reduces the likelihood of disrupting lessons inadvertently.
4. Acceptable Uses
4.1. Mobile devices should be switched off and kept out of sight during classroom lessons and while moving between lessons. Exceptions may be permitted only in exceptional circumstances if the parent/carer specifically requests it. Such requests will be handled on a case-by-case basis and should be directed to Mihaela or Chris at the ELH office. Parents/carers are requested that in cases of emergency they contact the school first so we are aware of any potential issue and may make the necessary arrangements.
4.2. While on school premises at break times only, students should use soundless features such as text messaging, answering services, call diversion and vibration alert to receive important calls.
4.3. Mobile devices should not be used in any manner or place that is disruptive to the normal routine of the school (see below).
4.4. Students should protect their phone numbers by only giving them to close friends and keeping a note of who they have given them to. This can help protect the student’s number from falling into the wrong hands and guard against the receipt of insulting, threatening or unpleasant voice, text and picture messages.
4.5. The school recognises the importance of emerging technologies present in modern mobile devices e.g. camera and video recording, internet access, MP3 and MP4 playback, blogging etc. In the future teachers may wish to utilise these functions to aid teaching and learning and pupils may have the opportunity to use their mobile devices in the classroom. On these occasions pupils may use their mobile devices in the classroom when express permission has been given by the teacher. The use of personal mobile devices in one lesson for a specific purpose does not mean blanket usage is then acceptable.
5. Unacceptable Uses
5.1. Unless express permission is granted, mobile devices should not be used to make calls, send SMS messages, surf the internet, take photos or use any other application during school lessons and other educational activities, such as social events.
5.2. The Bluetooth function of a mobile device must be switched off at all times and not be used to send images or files to other mobile devices.
5.3. Mobile devices must not disrupt classroom lessons with ring tones, music or beeping. They should be turned off during lesson times.
5.4. Using mobile devices to bully and threaten other students is unacceptable. Cyber bullying will not be tolerated. In some cases it can constitute criminal behaviour. If the use of technology humiliates, embarrasses or causes offence it is unacceptable regardless of whether ‘consent’ was given.
5.5. It is forbidden for students to “gang up” on another student and use their mobile devices to take videos and pictures of acts to denigrate and humiliate that student and then send the pictures to other students or upload it to a website for public viewing. This also includes using mobile devices to photograph or film any student or member of staff without their consent. It is a criminal offence to use a mobile device to menace, harass or offend another person and almost all calls, text messages and emails can be traced.
5.6. Mobile devices are not to be used or taken into changing rooms or toilets or used in any situation that may cause embarrassment or discomfort to their fellow students, staff or visitors to the school.
5.7. Should there be more than one disruption to lessons caused by a mobile device, the responsible student may face disciplinary actions as sanctioned by the Headteacher. This may include a mobile device ban in school.
5.8. .It is unacceptable to take a picture of a member of staff without their permission. In the event that this happens the student will be asked and expected to delete those images.
6. Theft or damage
6.1. Students should mark their mobile devices clearly with their names.
6.2. Students who bring a mobile device to school should leave it locked away in their locker/bag when they arrive. To reduce the risk of theft during school hours, students who carry mobile devices are advised to keep them well concealed and not ‘advertise’ they have them.
6.3. Mobile devices that are found in the school and whose owner cannot be located should be handed to front office reception.
6.4. The school accepts no responsibility for replacing lost, stolen or damaged mobile devices.
6.5. The school accepts no responsibility for students who lose or have their mobile devices stolen while travelling to and from school.
6.6. It is strongly advised that students use passwords/pin numbers to ensure that unauthorised phone calls cannot be made on their devices (e.g. by other students, or if stolen). Students must keep their password/pin numbers confidential. Mobile devices passwords may not be shared.
6.7. Lost and stolen mobile devices in the U.K. can be blocked across all networks making them virtually worthless because they cannot be used. In the event of a loss or theft the school will assist in arranging blocking.
7. Inappropriate conduct
7.1. Mobile devices are banned from all examinations. Students are expected to hand devices to invigilators before entering the exam hall. Any student found in possession of a mobile devices during an examination will have that paper disqualified. Such an incident may result in all other exam papers being disqualified.
7.2. Any student who uses vulgar, derogatory, or obscene language while using a mobile device will face disciplinary action.
7.3. Students with mobile devices may not engage in personal attacks, harass another person, or post private information about another person using SMS messages, taking/sending photos or objectionable images, and phone calls. Students using mobile devices to bully other students will face disciplinary action. [It should be noted that it is a criminal offence to use a mobile devices to menace, harass or offend another person. As such, the school may consider it appropriate to involve the police.]
7.4. Students must ensure that files stored on their devices do not contain violent, degrading, racist or pornographic images. The transmission of such images is a criminal offence. Similarly, ‘sexting’ – which is the sending of personal sexual imagery - is also a criminal offence.
8. Sanctions
8.1. Students who infringe the rules set out in this document could face having their devices confiscated by teachers. If the device is being used inappropriately the student must give it to a teacher if requested.
8.2. On the first infringement of this policy the mobile device would be confiscated by the teacher and taken to a secure place within the school office. The student will be able to collect the mobile device at the end of the school day and a record will be made of the incident. A letter will also be sent to the parent/carer to inform them of the incident. The location and form of the secure place will be one deemed appropriate by the Behaviour Management Team.
8.3. On the second infringement the mobile device would be confiscated by the teacher and taken to a secure place within the school office. Parents will be notified and the pupil will not be permitted to collect the device without a parent/carer’s consent. If a parent/carer is unable to attend the school they are permitted to phone and give verbal consent for their child to collect the device and must speak to a member of the management team or student support. The incident will be recorded.
8.4. Any further infringements of the mobile device code of conduct may result in a ban on bringing a mobile device to school.
8.5. As set out in the previous section, failure to follow the rules set out in this document may result in an alleged incident – of a serious nature - being referred to the police for investigation. In such cases, the parent or carer would be notified immediately.
9. Mobile devices: Parent/Guardian Permission
I have read and understand the above information about appropriate use of mobile devices at ELH and I understand that this form will be kept on file at the school and that the details may be used (and shared with a third party, if necessary) to identify a device should the need arise (e.g. if lost, or if the device is being used inappropriately).
I give my child permission to carry a mobile device to school and understand that my child will be responsible for ensuring that the mobile device is used appropriately and correctly while under the school’s supervision, as outlined in this document.
I understand that the school will not accept any responsibility for loss, damage or theft of a mobile device.
Parent/carer
Name
Signature of parent…
Name of student
Signature of student…
Mobile device details:
This information may be used to help return lost property
I have read and understand the above information about appropriate use of mobile devices at ELH and I understand that this form will be kept on file at the school and that the details may be used (and shared with a third party, if necessary) to identify a device should the need arise (e.g. if lost, or if the device is being used inappropriately).
I give my child permission to carry a mobile device to school and understand that my child will be responsible for ensuring that the mobile device is used appropriately and correctly while under the school’s supervision, as outlined in this document.
I understand that the school will not accept any responsibility for loss, damage or theft of a mobile device.
Parent/carer
Name
Signature of parent…
Name of student
Signature of student…
Mobile device details:
- Make and model number……………………………………………….
- Mobile phone number……………………………………………………
- Colour/description of device………..
This information may be used to help return lost property
