Mobile phone use at SIHS:
The SIHS mobile phone policy has changed since term 4, 2022 and is in line with the Term 4, 2023 NSW government policy on Mobile phone ban in Public Schools.
The use of phones is no longer allowed during the school day.
Phones must be switched off and placed in bags unless there is a valid reason to use them; for instance if a student needs their phone to operate a medical device in which case the school willneed to be notified by parent/guardian.
SIHS encourages the healthy use of electronic devices outside of school hours. Advice on how parents can facilitate the healthy use of electronic devices at home can be found below.
Some FAQ for parents and students:
Please read more here for more information:
Mobile Phones - Off and Away - Department of Education Policy -Term 4,2023
Healthy use of devices:
Advice for parents and young people:
The following advice is from Jocelyn Brewer, a Sydney based psychologist with 16 years experience working as a teacher and counsellor in public schools.
The recomended amout of screen time for young people up to age 17 is 2 hours per day. In addition to the quantity, the quality of the screen time is of vital importance. Parents, carers and young pepole should consider:
- Content - What information is being consumed or activities engaged in? Are they developmentally appropriate?
- Context - What is the situation the tech use is occurring in? Is it in the classroom, bedroom, alone or with others?
- Cognitions - What thoughts, motivation & intentions are present? Are they helpful or negative?
- Function - What is the reason for the tech use? Is it to avoid social interaction, to study, etc?
Helpful tips:
- Keep device use in the house in public spaces. i.e. no tech in bedrooms
- Make gaming/tech an oportunity to connect with family. For instance by playing toghether.
- Create a 'digital foyer' in the house where devices all devices are charged in the evening and overnight.
- Know parental control measures avaiable.