Mobile Devices

Parents provide their children with mobile devices for a variety of reasons, including supporting learning and for personal safety. It is the right that parents allow their child to have a personal mobile device in school. However, if devices are brought to school there must be a clear understanding that the individual pupil is responsible for the care and usage of their device(s).

We have a robust Bring your Own Device Policy which was developed in consultation with pupils, staff and our Parent Council. Pupils are encouraged to make use of theirown devices and enhance learning at the teachers' discretion. We have clearly displayed indicators in every classroom to inform pupils as to whether they can make use of these.

The benefits of mobile phones are recognised. Many young people and their parents regard them as an essential means of communication. Mobile phones can continue to be brought into schools however the following limitations apply:

• All phones should be turned off and kept out of sight during the school day within the school campus except at break and lunch in social spaces only,
  
• Photographing or recording of sound or images of staff, other pupils or visitors to the school is not allowed without permission at any time within the school campus or on school transport.
  
• Mobile phones may be confiscated where these rules are broken.
  
• Confiscated mobile phones or other devices will normally be passed to the school office or senior member of staff as soon as possible after confiscation.
  
• Any recordings made on school premises or school transport found on confiscated phones will have to be deleted on their returnby parents.
  
• Parents and pupils need to beaware that should a pupil breach our mobile phone policy they will be disciplined in line with the school's positive behaviourpolicy.
  
• An increasing range and variety of mobile phones possess the ability to access the Internet and to use Bluetooth technology to communicate. These technologies provide unparalleled sophistication and complexity which can provide access to a wealth of online resources and possibilities. Pupils and parents should be aware that this also leaves pupils open to dangers such as Cyberbullying, grooming and access to inappropriate material. If you have any concerns about this, please contact the school.
  

Legal aspects

• There are a number of aspects of the law that may apply to mobile phone misuse and the responses to that misuse. In the most serious cases there may be a crime involved -an incident that is being filmed might be an assault or breach of the peace. The misuse of a mobile phone might be an offence under the Communications Act 2003, if it involves a call or message that is grossly offensive or is of an indecent, obscene or menacing character; and, the distribution of certain pornography might be an offence under the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982.
  
• In situations which are so serious that a school might call in the police it is for the police, not the school, to consider what, if any, criminal offence may apply.
  

These restrictions on use apply equally during any school activity that takes place off campus.

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