Mobile Phones Policy
Rules for mobile phones and smartwatches at St Mary's College: off and in the bag in the Junior School, locked in a phone pouch from 8:40am to 3:25pm in the Senior School, and what happens if the rules are broken.
St Mary's College is a phone-free school during the school day. Students learn better, play more and experience less online conflict when phones are away from the first bell to the last. This policy explains the rules for each school, how the Senior School phone pouch works, and how parents can reach their child.
Purpose
To set clear expectations for the possession and use of mobile phones, smartwatches and similar personal devices by students, in order to maximise learning, protect wellbeing and reduce distraction and cyberbullying.
Scope
Applies to all students from Prep to Year 12 during the school day, on excursions and at College activities unless a teacher explicitly authorises use. It covers mobile phones, smartwatches with messaging or internet capability, earbuds and similar devices. College-owned or BYOD laptops are covered by the ICT Acceptable Use Policy.
Policy statement
- Junior School (Prep–Year 6): students are encouraged not to bring phones. If a phone is brought, it must be switched off and kept in the school bag for the whole day, or handed to the Junior office at 8:45am and collected at 3:20pm.
- Senior School (Years 7–12): phones and messaging-capable smartwatches are locked in the College-issued magnetic locking pouch ("phone pouch") from the Homeroom bell at 8:40am until dismissal at 3:25pm (2:45pm on Wednesdays). The pouch stays with the student and is unlocked at the exit stations at the end of the day.
- Phones may not be used at recess, lunch or between classes.
- Students who need to contact home during the day use the Junior or Senior office phone. Parents who need to reach their child ring the office on (03) 9555 0100 and a message is passed on immediately.
Procedures
The Senior School phone pouch
- Each Year 7–12 student is issued a pouch at the start of the year (or on enrolment). The pouch remains College property.
- On arrival, students place their phone (and messaging smartwatch) in the pouch and lock it before 8:40am Homeroom. Homeroom teachers check pouches are locked.
- At dismissal, students tap the pouch on an unlocking station at the Senior gate, Senior office or Hall foyer.
- A lost or damaged pouch is replaced through the Senior office for $30; the student is issued a temporary pouch in the meantime.
- Students who arrive late lock their pouch at the Senior office when they sign in.
Exemptions
Parents may apply for an exemption through the Head of Senior School, Mr Tom Brennan, where a phone is needed to monitor a medical condition (for example, continuous glucose monitoring) or as a documented reasonable adjustment. Approved exemptions are recorded on the Learning Hub, and the student carries an Exemption Card.
Breaches
| Occurrence (per year) | Response |
|---|---|
| 1st | Phone held at the Senior (or Junior) office, collected by the student at 3:25pm; logged on the Learning Hub; parents notified via Portal |
| 2nd | Phone held at the office and collected by a parent; Year Level Coordinator contacts home |
| 3rd | Meeting with the Year Level Coordinator and parents; student hands their phone in to the office each morning for 5 school days |
| Further | Managed under the Behaviour & Restorative Practices Policy |
Using a phone to film, photograph or record others without consent, or to bully, is treated as a serious breach and may result in immediate suspension and referral under the Anti-Bullying Policy and Child Safety Policy.
Excursions and camps
Phones remain pouched on day excursions unless the teacher in charge announces otherwise. On camps, phones are collected on the bus and returned on the trip home; camp staff carry phones for emergencies and parents are given a contact number.
Security
Students bring phones at their own risk; the College is not responsible for lost, stolen or damaged devices.
Responsibilities
Parents and carers
- Ring the office, not your child's phone, for urgent messages during the day.
- Support the policy at home and discuss responsible phone use.
Students
- Lock your phone away before 8:40am (Senior) or leave it off in your bag (Junior).
- Never use a phone to photograph, film or record others at school.
Staff
- Check pouches at Homeroom, model appropriate phone use, and follow the breach steps consistently.
- Record breaches on the Learning Hub the same day.
Related documents
- ICT Acceptable Use Policy
- Digital Learning & AI Policy
- Anti-Bullying Policy
- Behaviour & Restorative Practices Policy
- Photography & Media Consent Policy
- Laptop Program (BYOD)
Review
Policy owner: Deputy Principal – Wellbeing & Mission. Approved by the College Leadership Team January 2026; ratified by the College Advisory Council; next review January 2028.
Frequently asked questions
How do I contact my child in an emergency?
Ring the office on (03) 9555 0100 between 8:00am and 4:30pm. Messages are passed to students immediately and your child can call you back from the office phone.
My child catches the bus and needs their phone to arrange pick-up. Is that allowed?
Yes. Pouches are unlocked at the exit stations at 3:25pm (2:45pm on Wednesdays), so students have their phones for the trip home. Before 8:40am, phones may be used until the student enters Homeroom.
What about smartwatches?
Smartwatches that can send or receive messages must be pouched with the phone. Watches that only tell the time or count steps may be worn.
Can Year 12 students use their phones during study periods?
No. The policy applies to all Senior School students throughout the day, including study periods and free periods.
What if my child has a medical need for their phone?
Apply for an exemption through the Head of Senior School, Mr Tom Brennan, with supporting documentation. Approved students carry an Exemption Card and keep their phone accessible.