Mobile Phone access for students during the school day.
In line with our Behaviour and Wellbeing Policies, the use of mobile phones can significantly distract from learning, impact concentration, and affect students’ wellbeing and social interaction. Feedback gathered from surveys with students in our school, along with extensive national and international research, clearly highlights the negative effects of mobile phone use among teenagers. Our approach to student use of mobile phones is based on research designed to support student focus, learning, wellbeing, and positive social interaction.
Junior Cycle Students (First Year to Third Year)
As a school, we have introduced the “Phone Away Box” system for the storage of student mobile phones during the school day for Junior Cycle students.
Students place their phone in the “Phone Away Box” in their locker before 8.50 am and not take their phone out of the phone lock box before 4.00 pm (1.20pm on Wednesdays) unless directed to by a teacher.
If a student removes their phone from the “Phone Away Box” or use their phone during the day [between 08.50 - 4.00] without permission and this will result in a one-day suspension.
Students remain responsible for their phones at all times.If a Junior Cycle student wishes to contact a parent/guardian at any time during the school day they can do this through the school office.
Senior Cycle Student (Transition Year to Sixth Year)
During Class
Students must switch off their phones at 8.45am and place them face down on their desk during class. This ensures phones are fully silenced and not a source of distraction. Phones may only be used when directed by the teacher for learning activities. If a student leaves the classroom to go to the toilet, their phone must be left on the teacher’s desk.
Outside of Class Time
Phones must remain switched off and out of sight at all times, “Unseen and Unheard”. Any phone seen or used (including for music) will be confiscated, left in the school office, and can be collected at 4pm. Repeat incidents will require a parent/guardian to collect the phone. Persistent misuse will result in students handing in their phone each morning for collection at the end of the day. Refusal to hand over a phone will result in a parent/guardian having to collect the student from the college reception and a subsequent one-day suspension.
Students remain responsible for their phones at all times.If a Senior Cycle student wishes to contact a parent/guardian at any time during the school day they can do this through the school office.
Parent/Guardian Support
Bunclody Community College is a registered Parenting and Technology Institute (PATI) school, which enables our parent/guardian community to access the highly regarded Parenting the Tech-Savvy Child programme course. This live, interactive webinar series is led by Dr. Richard Hogan.