I’m sure you’re all fully aware of the recently enforced ban on Mobile Phones and Smartwatches in School and on school transport, and the emails that were sent out.

Since these emails went out, we received a number of queries from parents regarding the specifications of what models and types of smartwatches were allowed.

As it was noted, we would like to make it clear that this includes all student mobile phones, wearable technology such as Smartwatches, fitness trackers (including Fitbit, Garmin, Tom-tom, Samsung and other brands). This means any device that connects to a network, syncs to the internet, tracks movement, or is not school-owned or supplied.

Because brands such as these release newer and more high-tech models every week, particularly smartwatches, we felt it best not to state which models.

It comes across as though most parent and student queries are based around Fitbits, as these are widely used amongst students. As far as we know, all of these either sync to the internet or track movement.

A reason why this is suggested, is because of the risk that students can be spied on, tracked or hacked.

Other reasons why these pieces of equipment are banned, is due to cheating, distractions and much more. Click here to check out this article for another stance on why.  

OneSchool Global have considered our position on this within the context of the health and education impact on our students, and also within the context of the protection of our young people in the upholding of our community values and principles.

We will continue to use technology to supplement and drive student learning outcomes, and with the personal computers owned and supplied by the school and the on-campus technology we provide to students, it is felt we have all we need to support student learning, without the need for these other technologies at this point in time.
 
Parents are asked to take notice of this advice, speak to your children and ensure that such student devices are left at home each day.
 
We thank you for your ongoing support as we seek to ensure we deliver high quality learning outcomes for our students and ensure their ongoing protection.