Use of Devices Policy

RATIONALE

The evidence is in: the United Nations itself has now warned against the issues connected to excessive use of devices in schools by young people and this has been echoed by the British Government in new guidance to schools in England. MGS staff have identified use of devices in school as one of the major barriers to focus and attainment for our learners in their lessons.

We have created a devices policy which aims to ensure our young people have the skills they need for life, work and learning. Our policy:

supports the pupils in developing self-regulation skills (we want them to be able to switch off from devices and focus on learning without engaging in conflict)
educates them on the impact of inappropriate phone use on themselves and others
ensures teaching and learning is at the forefront of their time in school without distraction

CORE EXPECTATIONS

Classrooms and corridors are free from devices.
'Device' refers to phones, tablets, ear/headphones, air-pods, etc.
Device(s) are immediately returned to bag or coat pocket without hesitation when asked by a member of staff.
Device(s) are immediately placed on the teacher's desk if device use occurs again (only one warning will be given):
- - Doing so will result in no further action and you may collect your device at the end of the period.
  - Refusal to do so will result in contact with home.
School is to be free from filming or photography without explicit consent. Staff must never be filmed or photographed.
Mobile phone handsets must not be taken to the toilet. If going to the toilet during class, phone handsets must be exchanged for the corridor pass.
If you are concerned about device misuse or feel unsafe, report concern to a member of staff.
Pupils must not plug in personal chargers to wall sockets under any circumstances (this presents a risk of fire and is forbidden in council buildings).
Please note: argument with staff around any of the above expectations during lessons thereafter becomes a behaviour management issue as the disruption through argument is then the issue. If this occurs, you may be hosted on the grounds of ongoing disruption to the lesson, not the use of the device.

EXCEPTIONS

If a teacher asks you to use a device you may do so during the task in line with the "Core Expectations." If this is the case in that class, one of the images opposite will be displayed.

When using a device in lessons you must ONLY use it for the task as set out by the teacher and then return it to your bag.

You may use your phone in social spaces before the first bell in the morning, during break and lunch and you must abide by the “Core Expectations.”

IMPLEMENTATION

During the introduction of the policy a number of measures will be rolled out alongside the new policy. A lesson will be created for use in PSE lessons focusing on healthy device use and raising awareness of the dangers (social and health).

PUPIL ASSEMBLY AND POSTERS

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

ALL STUDENTS

Any device brought into school is done so at the risk of the owner.
All students must adhere to all of the core expectations of the policy as set out above.
Students should endeavour to find alternative ways to keep track of time in school, such as through use of a wrist-watch.

ALL STAFF

Advise learners at the outset of lessons whether or not devices are permitted. Use the above visual aid in your title slide to reinforce that message.
When following the flowchart, be clear that the first warning has been issued either to the individual concerned or to the class as a whole.
Devices must never be used in classes for 'down time' or to make up for a lack of appropriate work or cover.
Staff must not allow pupils out of class with mobile phone handsets. Mobile phone handsets should be exchanged for corridor passes.
Teacher's desk to be utilised as necessary to host phones for one period at a time, unless a severe breach of pupil safety has occurred. Phone to be returned directly to pupil at the end of the period unless alternative arrangement in place.
In situations of refusal to place devices on the teacher's desk: clearly advise the learner that the Curriculum Leader will contact home.
In situations where there is disruptive argument or where refusal is combined with wilful disruption of others and/or the lesson: treat as any other behaviour management issue and follow Positive Relationships Policy.
If staff are made aware of inappropriate filming or photography and are unable to resolve immediately, treat as a wellbeing concern.
Record pupils who refuse to hand over their confiscated device by the end of the working week.
For concerning device use refer as “wellbeing concern”.

CURRICULUM LEADER

Support staff in implementing above.
Check on phone usage Google Sheet and send Groupcall email at a regular weekly point.
Follow Positive Relationships Policy role for Curriculum Leader as required.
Ensure so far as possible that wall clocks are installed and operational to reduce learners relying on devices to keep track of time.

PUPIL SUPPORT

Follow up wellbeing concerns as with any other.
Be aware of learners who are in a pattern of breach of the above policy and expectations and factor this in to individual plans, e.g. devices left at home or with a trusted adult, etc.

HEAD OF HOUSE

Support staff as per Positive Relationships Policy.
Under extreme breach of policy be prepared to host phones.

PARENTS AND CARERS

Support learners through discussion of appropriate device use with your child.
Encourage responsible device use in the home.
If you need to contact your child, please do so through the school office as messaging and calling youngsters during their learning is disruptive for all.

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