CellPhones Policy
CELL PHONE AND OTHER E-MEDIA DEVICES
Category : Discipline
Application : Learners
While the school acknowledges that cell phones and other e-media devices have become an important and useful means of communication, it is also aware of the fact that their use and abuse, particularly by children , pose social , ethical and safety consequences.
Learners are not allowed to have cell phones and other e-media devices in their possession while they are at school for the following reasons:
Learners who carry or use cell phones and other e-media devices in their possession while they are at school, have become the targets of criminals who accost them and rob them of their cell phones and other e-media possessions.
Theft at school may occur. Learners are careless with their cell phones and other e- media devices and leave them lying around or in bags which are left unattended.
Cell phones and E-media devices can be used to cheat in examination and tests.
Cell phones and E- media devices are increasingly multi-functional, offering an array of features which are designed to attract and entertain users. The ready availability of these features means that learners with cell phones tend to access and use these features in the classroom, becoming distracted from their work.
Cell phones and E- media devices make learners vulnerable to approaches by undesirable individuals or groups including criminals and paedophiles.
Learners who, despite the school’s policy, insist on bringing these to school are required to ensure that it is:
Switched off
Lodged with the secretary by 7.30
Collected by 15.00 hr / end of school day.
If a learner has a cell phone or an e-media device in her possession between 7.30 and the end of the school day, device will be confiscated. It shall only be returned at the END OF THE SCHOOL TERM.
The school will not take responsibility for the theft of any cell phone or e- media device brought to school, no matter what the circumstances. This includes the loss or theft of any cell phone or e- media device that may be handed in to teachers or secretaries for safekeeping, as well as to any cell phone or e- media devices which have been confiscated from learners who use them in defiance of the school rules.