Responsible Use of Personal Mobile Devices
There is a good deal of research to suggest that digital devices in the school environment are detrimental to students. Studies have stated that more time on electronic communication results in lower psychological well-being in adolescents. Some studies link a decline in human relationships due to screen time with anxiety and depression. Other studies have shown that the mere presence of the phone (on a desk or in a pocket) can lower working memory capacity.
At Captain Nichola Goddard School, we have an "Away for the Day” policy. We encourage all parents to read this policy and we ask that parents support us in its implementation. Personal mobile devices are important to students however, irresponsible use of devices can cause disruptions during instructional time. Research has shown cellphones result in students being distracted 20% of the school day – the equivalent of a student missing 36 days of school. To support student learning at Captain Nichola Goddard School, we have developed a policy which takes this research into consideration:
Personal Mobile Device Definition
For this policy, a personal mobile device is any personal electronic device that can be used to communicate with or access the internet, such as a cellphone, tablet, gaming device, laptop, or smartwatch. This also includes devices capable of communicating with a mobile device such as headphones, and bluetooth devices (e.g. earbuds and speakers).
School Expectations
- Personal mobile devices are not to be used for personal communication or entertainment anywhere within the school during instructional time.
- Personal mobile devices are not permitted in the classrooms during instructional time unless direct permission is given by the supervising teacher.
- All devices should be locked in lockers during class time, not in back packs, bags, pockets, purses etc.
- Personal mobile devices are not permitted as calculators on assessments.
- Students with a documented IPP accommodation will be permitted to use personal mobile devices in class in collaboration with and under the supervision of a classroom teacher or educational assistant.
- Students who require access to a personal mobile device for health and medical needs must have a Student Health Plan submitted by a parent at the beginning of each school year.
- English as an Additional Language Learners who require access to a personal mobile device, a new PMD Exception form will be approved by School Administration in conversation with parents/guardians.
- Students with accommodations who misuse personal digital devices will lose the opportunity to have them in class.
Disciplinary Measures
Students who do not follow these personal device guidelines and repeatedly use their device in an inappropriate manner or at inappropriate times will be addressed through escalating levels of discipline in accordance with the Progressive Discipline Policy of the CBE:
- Student sent to the office to hand in their personal mobile device. Device will be signed in to the office, parent/guardian will be contacted and device will be returned to the student at the end of the day.
- Student sent to the office to hand in their personal mobile device. Device will be signed in to the office, school administration will meet with the student and contact a parent/guardian. Device will be returned to the student at the end of the day.
- Student sent to the office to hand in their personal mobile device. Device will be signed in to the office, school administration will meet with the student and contact a parent/guardian. Device will not be returned to the student and will be stored in the office until a parent/guardian is able to pick up the device.
- Repeated offences will be treated as refusal to comply with the rules of the school and dealt with in consultation with parents/guardians.
Parent/Guardian Contact with Students
Parents/guardians who need to contact their child during the school day can contact the office and leave a message. Alternatively, parents & guardians can wait for their child to respond to electronic messages when they have access to their devices.