Mobile Phones and Safeguarding

Most pupils now own a smart phone which offers direct access to the internet and many options in addition to calls or texts. We are concerned that pupils’ use of this technology, both in terms of the amount of time spent on them and the activity that they engage in with them, is having a detrimental effect on their wellbeing and their learning in school.

As a consequence mobile phones and all electronic devices are banned at our school. If pupils bring phones to school and staff become aware of the device it will be confiscated for a period of 2 weeks.

Phones and electronic devices are forbidden at St Mary’s Catholic High school for pupils in Years 7 to 11 and we cannot accept responsibility for loss, damage or theft of any phone or other electronic device. However phones that are confiscated will be kept securely and returned after 2 weeks.

This is all non-negotiable as we have to be fair and consistent to all pupils. We thank pupils and parents for their understanding and co-operation in this vital matter. We see this rule as part of our absolute commitment and determination to do everything we can to safeguard  our pupils effectively; and in removing the opportunity for cyber bullying and other inappropriate and harmful uses of electronic devices during the school day.

Pupils are not allowed to have mobile phones / iPods /iWatches / iPads / fitbits  or other similar electronic devices in school. If pupils in Years 7-11 are caught with their phone in school at any time then a member of staff will confiscate the phone. Parents can collect the phone from admin at the end of the two week confiscation period by arrangement with admin staff on reception. If the family live a distance from school and collection is difficult a pupil may be given permission to collect from admin at the end of the school day to take home.