Purpose
In line with the NSW Government ban on mobile phones in High Schools, the phone pouch Program at Whitebridge High School is designed to support students to use mobile phones, and adjacent technology in a responsible and ethical manner. It provides a ‘phone-free’ space which encourages students to develop the skills to interact positively with their peers and teachers, and to fully immerse themselves in the learning process.
Scope
This document outlines the policies and procedures which underpin the management of the phone pouch program, providing a consistent framework for the restriction of mobile phones in the school environment, through the use of the phone pouch system.
The phone pouch system will be in place throughout the school day from 8.00am to 3.20pm and covers access to mobile phones and adjacent technology (e.g., earphones, airpods and smart watches) on school grounds, at school-related activities and outside of school where there is a clear and close connection between the school and the conduct of students. This procedure identifies that mobile phones are not allowed to be used under the Department’s BYOD policy.
Our School's Approach
To support students in the development of positive relationships, social skills, learning habits and overall health and wellbeing, Whitebridge High School has implemented the phone pouch system to create a ‘phone free’ space for students whilst at school or when engaged in school-based activities. This is the same system utilised at many venues worldwide, including concerts, restaurants, social functions and industries and is designed to increase engagement in the activity or event.
At Whitebridge High School, we recognise the potential impact of mobile phones on student learning outcomes, social skills and overall wellbeing. Whilst mobile phones can be used as a convenient tool for communication and access to information, they can also become unwelcome distractions, discourage the development of essential social skills and isolate young people from their peers. In some instances, this can lead to social conflict, sleep deprivation, mental and other health challenges.
The decision to implement the phone pouch program is based on evidence and has been made in collaboration with the WHS Parents and Citizens Association, Student Representative Council and teaching staff. Recent surveys of over 900 school partners using phone pouches measured the effects of creating phone-free educational environments. These schools achieved notable progress in multiple areas:
- 65% of schools saw an improvement in academic performance
- 74% of schools saw an improvement in student behaviour
- 83% of schools saw an improvement in student engagement in the classroom.
Whitebridge High School is a BYOD school with Microsoft Teams and Google Classroom as our primary online learning platforms. The Department of Education supports the use of laptop computers for this purpose. Mobile phones are not permitted at school and are not as a BYOD device. For further information on the recommended specifications for BYOD devices at Whitebridge High School, please refer to the BYOD Policy available from the Whitebridge High School website:
https://whitebridg-h.schools.nsw.gov.au/supporting-our-students/technical-support.html
All students enrolled at Whitebridge High School will be allocated a phone pouch free of charge. Students enrolling throughout the year will be allocated a pouch as part of their enrolment. If this is damaged or lost a replacement cost of $15 will be billed to the student through parents/carers.
A full copy of the School Mobile Phone Policy and Procedures can be downloaded from here: https://whitebridg-h.schools.nsw.gov.au/content/dam/doe/sws/schools/w/whitebridg-h/policies/Mobile-Phone-Policy-and-Procedures-2023.pdf
Further Information:
The NSW Department of Education digital devices and online services policy can be found at:
https://education.nsw.gov.au/policy-library/policies/pd-2020-0471