Cellphones and Other Personal Digital Devices

At Kelston Girls College, 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.

Kelston Girls College allows students to bring personal digital devices to school. We recognise that some personal digital devices can be used as a learning tool in the classroom, and teachers may incorporate their use into lessons when appropriate.

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.

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 turn their devices off and keep them out of sight during school hours.
• If devices are used for a learning activity, this must be approved and supervised by teaching staff.

Inappropriate use

Inappropriate use of a personal digital device may include:

• using a device when not allowed
• any sort of bullying, including online bullying
• 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 is observed using a personal digital device inappropriately, the dean and whānau are notified.