While mobile phones can play an important part in securing pupils’ personal safety before and after school there is an emerging body of evidence pointing to incidences of mobile phone misuse, including, text bullying, improper use of images and other forms of harassment.
Viewforth High School works within the policies and procedures of Fife Council to educate pupils in the appropriate use of mobile phones and manage appropriately incidents of their misuse.
Appropriate Use of Mobile Phones
Mobile phones should be switched off and out of sight during lessons and when travelling between lessons. There will be occasions where pupils are invited to use their mobile phone by the class teacher for the purposes of learning; the calculator function, recording homework tasks or conducting research etc. Mobile phones may be used at internal and lunchtime in areas away from classrooms.
Parents wishing to contact their youngster during the school day should telephone the school office (01592 583408) and ask for a message to be relayed.
Permission to use a phone’s camera at school functions or on school trips should be confirmed with the member of staff leading the activity.
Dealing with Inappropriate Use
In circumstances of inappropriate use, a range of consequences may be applied. In some instances this may involve contact with the parent/carer to with external agencies.
Responsibility for Mobile Phones
As with all high value items the school is aware of the potential for theft and the consequences of loss. While we will make every possible effort to track lost or misplaced mobile phones through our normal lost property procedures the school does not accept responsibility for replacement of mobile phones.