In December of 2020, a new compulsory policy for Department for Education schools was announced that restricts the use of mobile phones and other personal devices in primary schools.

Governing Council has approved this new policy, Primary student use of mobile phones and personal devices. It will come into effect at Woodend Primary School at the start of term 3, 2021.

Over the coming term, teachers will support students to become familiar with this policy and to begin to adopt the associated storage and usage procedures.

Some key points from this policy include:

  • For the purpose of this policy, digital devices refers to mobile phones, smartwatches, tablets or laptops that are not included within our Bring Your Own Device program.
  • Smartwatches are not permitted within this mandated policy. A smartwatch is a digital watch that provides other features in addition to timekeeping. Examples include monitoring heart rate, tracking activity and providing reminders throughout the day.
  • If digital devices need to be brought to school, they must be switched off and stored in students’ bags. Secure storage is available in the Front Office, if needed.
  • Misuse or non-compliance with storage requirements may result in personal devices being collected by the teacher and taken to the office for collection by a parent/caregiver.
  • Written requests for exemptions will be considered by the Principal on a case-by-case basis.

While this policy does not differ too much from our current expectations regarding the storage and use of mobile devices, we ask that families take the time to become familiar with these requirements in the lead up to implementation on the 20th of July 2021.

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to email the Front Office at dl.1056.info@schools.sa.edu.au