Information for Parents

As previously advised, The Government has introduced regulations that require all state schools and kura to have student phone rules in use. 

The regulations require that schools must ensure students do not use or access a phone while they are attending school, including during lunch time and breaks. This includes students who are on a school course or visit outside the school grounds during school hours.

International research indicates some key challenges with cell phones at school. A UNESCO report published in July identifies cell phones as being a major distraction for students as well as contributing to mental health decline and increasing exposure to cyber-bullying. 

This must be in effect no later than the start of Term 2, 29th April 2024. At Massey High School, we will be introducing our procedures from Wednesday 3rd April. We have been communicating this to all students through Assemblies this week.

Our approach is “away for the day”, meaning cell phones either do not come with the student to school (recommended), or are switched off and placed in school bags during the full school day. 

If a student does bring their cell phone to Massey High School, these must be switched off and kept in bags at all times, unless directed by a teacher for a learning activity.

It is important to note that if students do make the decision to bring a cell phone to the school grounds, they do so at their own risk. The school is not responsible for any loss or damage caused to any cell phone or accessory.

Cell phone accessories

Smart watches may be worn to tell the time, however if seen being used for things which cell phones would be used for, e.g. messaging or social media etc, students will need to remove them and place them in their bag in the first instance.

AirPods and headphones will not be allowed during school hours unless being used for a specific learning activity under direction of the teacher. They should be connected to the student's laptop and not their cell phone.

Cell Phones 'away for the day exceptions'

Schools must allow students to use or access a phone when:

• a phone is needed for health reasons (for example, to monitor insulin levels); or
• a phone is needed to help a student with a disability or learning support need (for example, to assist with impaired communication); or
• a teacher requires students to use phones for a specific educational task or purpose (for example, for a class assignment); or
• the principal decides that they are needed for special circumstances.

If cell phones are used for a learning activity, this will be at the teacher's discretion following our in-class procedures and the phone's use will be supervised by a staff member.

Consequences

If cell phones or cell phone accessories are visible or being used during the class time without specific teacher instruction for a learning activity, the following procedures will apply:

1. First instance: The student will be reminded and told to put the cell phone or accessory away in their bag.
2. Second instance, or if the student refuses to put the cell phone or accessory away in their bag: The dean may contact home and go through a pastoral process with the student based on the Massey High School behaviour Triangle.
3. Further instances. The dean will contact home and go through a pastoral process with the student based on the Massey High School behaviour Triangle.

Please note, classroom teachers will not confiscate phones, instead instances where confiscation is required will be referred to Deans/SLT.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Below are some answers to the more frequently asked questions that have come from our students.

1. What if a parent/caregiver needs to contact their child during the school day?

We understand that some parents like their children to have a phone to communicate with them after school, so students will be able to use their cell phones after school. If a parent or caregiver needs to contact their child urgently during the day, they should call the office or contact their child via their school email address.

2. How can I check my timetable without my phone?

Students can check their timetable on their laptop by going to https://masseyhigh.bridge.school.nz)

This page should be bookmarked for easy access. 

 3. What if a student refuses to put their cell phone away in their bag when requested by a teacher?

Teachers will follow the below procedures – we rely on students to make the right choice in the first instance – keeping phones off and away in bags. Students will first be reminded to put their phones away. Should the cell phone be presented again, it may then become an issue more about the students decision making/defiance than the phone itself.

4. Can I use my cell phone between classes or during break times?

The national education directive is that cell phones are not to be used during break times from Term 2 of 2024. Massey High School will be moving towards all cell phones in bags for the whole school day from this term.

5. Can I use my cell phone after 3:00pm on school property?

Yes.

6. When can I use my cell phone in class?

A teacher will need to state specifically that cell phones may be used for a learning activity before students can get their cell phone out of their bag. Using a cell phone during this time for an unpermitted activity will result in the teacher applying the consequences listed above.

7. Can I use my cell phone to take a picture or video in class?

The teacher will need to specifically state that cell phones can be used for recording. Photos and video are an important tool for recording project progress, capturing notes for study, producing creative work or other relevant learning tasks. Privacy of other students and staff must be respected and permission sought from them before capturing their image or voice.

8. Can I use my cell phone to listen to music?

No. There may be some exceptions to this under the direction of the teacher. Students should remove all headphones and earbuds when staff are addressing the class or there is group work occurring.

9. Can I connect my cell phone to the high school wifi?

Yes, students can connect their cell phone to the high school wifi using their same username and password as for their laptop. This is so students can use learning apps and upload work such as photos and videos to the google drive under the direction of their teacher. Social media and gaming sites are blocked on the high school wifi.

10. Can I use my cell phone for an education outside the classroom (EOTC) activities?

The same classroom rules around cell phone use apply to EOTC activities. EOTC activities provide fantastic opportunities for learning in new situations and for developing important social connections. Student cell phone use, particularly social media and gaming, diminish the ability of students to make the most of these activities. The teacher in charge of the EOTC activity should outline when and for what purpose cell phones can be used - if at all. Teachers will take into consideration health and safety, learning activities and the purpose of the trip when outlining appropriate cell phone use (if any) on EOTC activities.

11. Can I use my cell phone if my laptop battery dies, or I don't have my laptop with me?

No. Cell phones cannot be used for regular classroom activities such as writing on google docs or accessing the internet for research. If a student's laptop won't keep a charge for the day, the student should bring a charger to school. 

12. Can I use my headphones to block out the noise of the class so I can concentrate on my work?

No. There are some learners whose learning support plan involves the use of headphones under the direction of the teacher. 

13. Can I use my cellphone during tutor time?

No.

14. What if my cell phone starts ringing in my bag during class?

Students are not allowed to answer their phones in class. Students should take the phone out and turn it off and place it back in their bag. Parents who need to contact their child during the school day need to either email their child or phone the school office.

15. Can I use my cell phone as a hotspot to my laptop?

No. Laptops should only be connected to the high school wifi when at school.