Procedure 2.1.43 STUDENT PERSONAL MOBILE DEVICE USE

Approved:

Revised:

1.0 Introduction

2.0 Guiding Principles and Purpose

3.0 Expectation for students in K-6 classrooms

4.0 Expectations for Students in grades 7-12

5.0 Roles and Responsibilities

5.1 The School Board will:

- 5.1.1 Ensure that an annual notification goes to parents and students reminding them of the policy, its requirements and consequences for non-compliance.
- 5.1.2 Ensure review of policy and procedure occurs on an annual basis and the board website contains the most recent information.

5.2 Principals will:

- 5.2.1 Ensure that at the beginning of every school year, the principal or designate will review the Student Mobile Device Use Procedure with all students and staff.
- 5.2.2 Verify that the annual notification has gone to parents and students reminding them of the policy, its requirements and consequences for non-compliance.
- 5.2.3 Ensure policy and procedure information is posted on the school website.
- 5.2.4 Communicate with parents/guardians/families when required by the policy and
- 5.2.5 If a parent calls with an important message for their child, they will ensure the child receives the message.
- 5.2.6 Ensure that the procedure for receiving student mobile technology at the office is understood by all staff who work in that area.
- 5.2.7 Ensure that student mobile technology is clearly labelled and stored in a secure

5.3 Teachers will:

- 5.3.1 Abide by and enforce the policy and procedure within the classroom and school setting.
- 5.3.2 To utilize progressive discipline approach to administering the Student Mobile Device Policy and Procedure.
- 5.3.3 Utilize best practices for classroom management as it related to the policy and procedure including monitor device usage via active supervision, modelling positive device use, establish a process for use of board provided iPads.

5.4 Students will:

- 5.4.1 Adhere to and follow the Student Mobile Device Policy and Procedure.
- 5.4.2 Students are responsible for their personal mobile device, how they use it and the consequences of not following the school board’s policy on personal mobile device use.

5.5 Parents will:

- 5.5.1 Review the Student Mobile Device Policy and Procedure for themselves and their student(s).
- 5.5.2 Communicate with the office of the school for any messages for their student. Parents are to leave a message if their call is not answered.
- 5.5.3 Ensure they do not communicate with their child via social media, phone call, messaging during class time or the school day. All messages are to go through the school office.

6.0 Consequences for Students

6.1 In addressing consequences for students choosing to not follow the Student Mobile Device Policy and Procedure schools will:

- 6.1.1 At the beginning of every school year, the Principal or designate will review the Student Mobile Device Use Procedure.

6.2 Following the review of the policy and procedure during first week of school, the following process will apply as the minimum standard when a student chooses to defy the Student Mobile Device Use Procedure;

- 6.2.1 Upon noticing a student not in compliance, the Educator will remind the student that they are in contravention of the Student Mobile Device Use Procedure and will ask them to ensure their device is put away and stored out of view.
- 6.2.2 Students will be given every opportunity to comply with the expectation.
- 6.2.3 Upon continued refusal, the student will be referred to the office where the student will be required to hand in the mobile device.
- 6.2.4 In grades K to 6, the device will be handed in for the instructional day and the student will place the device in a storage area in a location designated by the principal. Each device will be placed in a large envelope and the student’s name will be written on the envelope. The device will remain at the office until the end of the school day.
- 6.2.5 In grades 7 to 12, the device will be handed in for the remainder of the instructional period. The device will be placed in a large envelope and the students’ name written on the envelope and then placed in a secure designated area as defined by the Principal. Students may pick up their device at the next natural break in the day, typically lunch or at the end of the school day.

6.3 If a student continues to refuse to hand in their personal mobile device after referral to the office, the Principal or designate will call home and inform the parent/guardian. Principals have discretion under PPM 145, Progressive discipline and promoting positive student behaviour, to consider a range of responses to address this behaviour including suspension and ensure the following are involved in the discipline process:

- 6.3.1 Utilize a progressive discipline approach.
- 6.3.2 Utilize Student Success and Character Development strategies and programs.
- 6.3.3 Provide students with the opportunity to learn life skills such as conflict resolution, anger management and communication skills.
- 6.3.4 Utilize models such as those based on the concepts of peer mediation, peer counselling and/or restorative practices.
- 6.3.5 Document incidents requiring disciplinary measures.
- 6.3.6 Consider mitigating factors to be sensitive to unique circumstances which may affect student behavior.
- 6.3.7 Ensure that contact with the parents and guardians of students under the age of eighteen, or adult students (students over the age of 18 or those 16 or 17 years old who have withdrawn from parental control), is made early in the disciplinary process and involves them in a plan to improve the student’s behavior until the behavior is acceptable.
- 6.3.8 Utilize consequences in a progressive and appropriate manner.

Appendices

References