Assistant Principal - Pastoral Care

Electronic Devices Policy Review

College Leadership and teaching staff are committed to partnering with our parents to provide the best possible learning community for our students and families. Policy updates provide an opportunity to seek parent voice. Our current Electronic Devices Policy - Acceptable Use will be reviewed during Term 3 for implementation in 2026. This document encompasses student use of mobile phones at school and when participating in off-site College events. Whilst this policy has been updated annually, it dates to 2010 - a very different time to today’s context in terms of electronic devices!

We are at the beginning stages of reviewing this policy and will be seeking parent and student voice in the weeks ahead to inform this review. A summary of key points for our parents and staff to think about is provided below:

1. The school has a duty of care to supervise students at school and during cocurricular activities on and off-site; this duty of care extends to students’ online activities.
2. The most current Australian-based research to guide school-based policy-making in relation to students’ mobile phone use and access is a report commissioned by the NSW Department of Education in 2018, co-authored by Michael Carr-Gregg, Susan McLeod and Professor Amanda Third. Parents wishing to provide feedback to inform the direction of this key policy review are requested to familiarise themselves with the key findings of this report, in particular the "recommendations" section. The report is available in full via THIS LINK.
3. A significant research base (eg, Tanil and Yong 2020); has conclusively found that high proximity to mobile phones - for example, the presence of a mobile phone carried in a bag or pocket on one’s person - reduces cognitive load and limits memory recall.
4. The school aims to prepare students for post-school life in a world where mobile phones and technology are ubiquitous. Skills in moderation and self-management of mobile phone usage are essential and must be developed over time.
5. In October 2023, a ban on mobile phones was introduced in all NSW public schools.
6. Any updates to this policy will be steeped in the school’s unique context. That is:

• • Many of our students travel to school by bus and by private vehicle.
  • Students have dynamic after-school lives incorporating part-time work, family commitments and extracurricular activities that necessitate communication between home and school.
  • Family life in today’s world is busy; pick up and after-school arrangements can change, and students need to be kept informed of these changes.
  • As a comprehensive, non-selective 7-12 Catholic School, we have a range of students in our care in terms of their ages, developmental stages and personal situations.

At this stage, any parents or carers wishing to provide their concerns, insights or opinions to inform the policy review are invited to email me directly at jennifer.furney@lism.catholic.edu.au. Alternatively, please feel free to contact me by phone at the College or to book an appointment via the College Office for a longer discussion.

Council of Catholic Schools Parents' Free Webinar:

Healthy Sleep Habits for Students - What Parents Need to Know

Many young people aren’t getting the sleep they need, with around 70% of teenagers and many younger children experiencing sleep deprivation — impacting their health, focus, mood and academic success. We’re pleased to share a valuable upcoming webinar, The Sleep Connection: Sleep Health for Students – What Parents Need to Know, designed especially for parents and carers of both primary and secondary students. This session will offer practical tips and strategies to help improve your child’s sleep habits and overall wellbeing.

Wednesday 13 August 2025
7:00pm - 8:00pm

Click here for further information and to register your attendance.