Contents

Home

Cellphones and Other Personal Digital Devices

At St Joseph's School, our approach to cellphones and other personal digital devices supports student engagement and achievement. Personal digital devices include cellphones, which we manage according to government regulations, and other devices such as laptops, tablets, and smartwatches. Devices that are part of a school-approved Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) programme have separate conditions for use.

St Joseph's School does not allow students to bring personal digital devices to school. These are not necessary to have during the day.

Cellphone regulations

To comply with government regulations, we ensure students do not use cellphones during school hours, including break times. Parents/Caregivers can request an exemption from the school if required. We allow exemptions for students to use cellphones if they are required for:

• a specific educational purpose approved by a teacher
• health needs (e.g. to monitor insulin levels)
• disability or learning support needs
• a special circumstance approved by the principal.

If a parent or caregiver needs to contact their child during school hours, they should call the office. Smartwatches should not be used to communicate with parents/caregivers during classtime.

Rules about cellphones and other personal digital devices made by the board are a school bylaw. The board consults with the school community when making or amending bylaws. We discuss school rules about personal digital devices at the beginning of the year, and throughout the year as needed.

Device requirements at school

The school promotes safe and responsible use of digital technology. Students are required to comply with our digital technology policies and procedures if devices are brought to school. See Digital Technology and Online Safety.

If students bring personal digital devices (including cellphones) to school, the following requirements apply:

• Students may be able to take devices on EOTC events, but should check with the teacher or person in charge whether the device is allowed before the event starts.
• Students must hand in their device to the office at the beginning of the day, and can collect the device at the end of the day.
• Devices may not be used during break times.

Inappropriate use

Inappropriate use of a personal digital device may include:

• using a device when not allowed
• any sort of bullying, including online bullying

  Online bullying (or "cyberbullying'") and harassment is when digital technology is used to bully or harass. Online bullying and harassment can be anonymous, and can take place on social media, messaging apps, or in other formats. It can take the form of sending messages (email/text/instant), making posts, or publishing content that intends to harm. It may include spreading rumours, and/or sharing private images, screenshots, or personal information without someone's consent. Also see Bullying and Harassment.

• sending or sharing inappropriate content
• taking photos or videos of other people without their permission.

Inappropriate use of a personal digital device is managed according to the relevant school policy or procedure:

• Behaviour Management
• Responding to Digital Incidents
• Surrender and Retention of Personal Digital Devices

If a student uses a personal digital device inappropriately (including using a cellphone when it is not allowed) the student must hand it to a staff member immediately when asked. If possible, the student should lock their device before handing it to staff. The device will be kept in the office and can be collected by the student at the end of the day.

The principal assures the board that the school does not allow students to use cellphones during school hours, including break times, unless students have been granted an exemption. See Review Schedule and Board Assurances.

Related policies

• Digital Technology and Online Safety
• Personal Property and Insurance
• Bullying and Harassment
• Public Sharing of Personal Information
• Recording Photos, Video, and Sound
• EOTC Consent

Legislation

• Education (School Boards) Regulations 2020 (Part 4, s 22)

Release history: Term 3 2025, Term 1 2024, Term 1 2023, Term 2 2020

Keywords: cellphone, cell phone, mobile, tablet, laptop, cell phones

Topic Number: 33974	Last Modified Date: 07/08/2025 11:42:54
Topic Version: 1	Published Date: 30/01/2026