Smartphone Policy

School: Carlow Educate Together NS

1. Purpose and Rationale

The purpose of this policy is to ensure a focused, distraction‐free learning environment that prioritises safety and educational outcomes. Recognising the disruptive potential of smart devices – including smartphones, tablets, laptops, or any device that is Internet-connected or can record audio or video – and the challenges in enforcing their use, and given that the school has adequate technology, a full time secretary and the risks posed to students/parents/staff upon a breach, the school has decided to completely ban student’s smart device use during school hours.

2. General Policy

No Smart Device Use During School Hours

• Policy Statement:
  All students are prohibited from using any non-school-owned smart devices on school premises during school hours. The school provides enough smart devices for its pupils through its Chromebooks and other smart technology.

Exceptions

The only exceptions to this rule are:

• Assistive Technology:
  Students who require assistive technology, approved by the NCSE, can use their smart device for specific purposes as outlined by their class teacher or other member of staff.

• Medical Exceptions:
  Students who require a smart device or similar equipment for medical purposes must submit relevant documentation (e.g. a doctor’s note) to the school’s administration for approval.

• Pre-Verbal Communication:
  Children who need a device to communicate their needs must complete an application outlining the necessity of the device. Approval will be granted on a strictly controlled basis.

• Any Other Reasons:
  Parents/guardians who wish for their child to be allowed to use a smart device in school for any other reason must write to the school principal. Until permission is granted, the child will not be allowed to use the device on school premises.

Off-Campus Use (Bus and Outside School)

• Parental Permission Required:
  While the policy strictly prohibits use on school premises during school hours, the school acknowledges that many pupils may have access to smart devices on the school bus or when off-site. In such cases, parents/guardians must sign an acknowledgement form authorising their child to bring a smart device into the school or anywhere on campus, with the clear understanding that the device is for use only outside school hours or on the bus.

• No School Liability:
  The signed form will state that the school assumes no responsibility for loss, theft, damage, or unauthorised use of the device once it is off school premises.

School Tours and Off-Site Activities

• No Use of Personal Smart Devices:
  During school tours and any off-site activities, students are prohibited from using smart devices (including any Internet-connected device or any device capable of recording audio or video).

• Resource Provision:
  Where needed, the school will provide any necessary technological resources for educational purposes during these activities.

• Compliance and Enforcement:
  Students found using personal smart devices during these events will be subject to the same measures as outlined in the main policy. No exceptions will be granted unless an emergency arises, in which case the device must immediately be handed over to the supervising staff member. 

 

3. Implementation and Enforcement

Clear Communication

• The school will clearly communicate this policy to all students, parents, and staff via newsletters, assemblies, and the school website.

Enforcement Procedures

It is recognised that with the best will in the world, it is impossible to monitor all the children all of the time. There are limits on what staff are allowed to do. They cannot search schoolbags, etc. With this in mind:

• Staff will remind students that no smart devices are to be brought onto school premises during school hours.
• Teachers will monitor classrooms to ensure compliance. Any student found with a smart device on school grounds during school hours will be subject to a minimum consequence of immediate confiscation.
• The school will not take responsibility for any reported loss or damage to the device while in their possession.

Offences and Consequences

Based on feedback from staff and parents, the following offences and corresponding consequences will apply:

• Unauthorised Possession:
  If a student is found in possession of a smart device during school hours without approved parental permission, at a minimum, the device will be confiscated and returned only upon parental collection. Repeated breaches may result in exclusion.

• Unauthorised Use:
  If a student uses a smart device during lessons or in any manner that disrupts the learning environment or any other part of the school day, at a minimum, the device will be confiscated, and the incident recorded. In cases such as recording, viewing, or sharing explicit material, a student may be excluded from school on a first offence.

• Record Keeping:
  The school will maintain records of all incidents involving unauthorised smart device use and/or possession, detailing the nature of the offence and the measures taken.
• Exclusion

If a child fails to comply with the policy, he/she may be excluded from school in line with the school’s Behaviour Policy. Exclusion can take various forms from being sent home from school to suspension. In cases of very serious breaches, a child may be permanently excluded from the school. All situations will be judged on a case-by-case basis in line with the school’s Behaviour Policy.

4. Support for Affected Students

Medical and Communication Exceptions

For students who qualify for an exception:

• Application Process:
  Parents must write to the principal and provide supporting documentation.

• Review:
  The principal will review each application on a case-by-case basis, ensuring that exceptions are granted only when absolutely necessary.

• Controlled Use:
  For approved exceptions, any permitted use of a smart device or communication device will be strictly monitored and limited to the purpose stated in the approval (e.g. managing a medical condition or essential communication for pre-verbal children).

5. Staff Responsibilities

Enforcement

• Teachers and staff are responsible for ensuring that students comply with this policy. While they are not expected to conduct invasive searches, they must remain vigilant and take appropriate action if a breach is suspected.

Support

• The school will provide clear guidelines and training for staff to handle breaches of this policy, ensuring enforcement is consistent, fair, and respectful of student rights.

6. Parental Involvement and Communication

Parental Acknowledgement

• Mandatory Consent Form:
  Parents/guardians must sign a consent form if they wish for their child to bring a smart device onto school premises outside of authorised circumstances (i.e. for use on the bus or outside school hours). This form clearly states that:
  • The smart device is not to be used during school hours.

  • The school will not be responsible for any loss, theft, damage, or unauthorised use of the device.

Policy Briefing

• The school will ensure that all parents are fully informed of the new policy and its rationale via newsletters, parent meetings, and the school website.

Feedback Mechanism

• A dedicated feedback channel will be established for parents to raise concerns or suggestions regarding the policy, enabling ongoing refinement as needed.

7. Ongoing Review

Periodic Assessment

• The policy will be reviewed periodically, incorporating feedback from staff, parents, and students, as well as considering any changes in technology or educational practices.

Adjustment Process

• Any proposed adjustments to the policy will be communicated in advance to all stakeholders, ensuring transparency and collective agreement on changes.