Mobile Phone and Devices Policy
Rationale:
In our increasingly digital world, mobile phones, smartphones, smart watches and other personal devices have become a common part of everyday life among primary school students. While these devices offer many benefits, they also present several challenges, including:
• Mobile devices can be valuable items and might render a pupil vulnerable to theft.
• Mobile devices (and their cost and level of sophistication - or otherwise) can make pupils objects of envy or ridicule potentially causing disciplinary issues and increasing the risk of bullying.
• The use of mobile devices could potentially undermine classroom management, e.g. videoing and recording staff, causing distractions etc.
• Using devices equipped with cameras and audio capabilities could lead to cyberbullying, child protection concerns, and data protection issues related to inappropriate capturing, usage, or distribution of content.
To effectively address these concerns and in line with Circular 044/2025 from the Department of Education our school has implemented a policy that prohibits students from using mobile phones, smartphones, smart watches, and other personal electronic devices on school premises, including school grounds, during the school day or at after-school activities on-site or at off-site school events.
Aims of this policy:
To inform all members of our school community about the procedures around this policy.
To ensure the safeguarding of children and to prevent the inappropriate use of mobile phones and other electronic devices on the school premises and during school related activities.
School Procedures: Pupils:
Pupils of St. Columba's N.S. are prohibited from using mobile phones, smart watches, or other internet-connected devices anywhere within the school building and grounds at any time. Children are not allowed to have any of the above devices on their person, in their school bag or coat pockets once they are at school and they must be switched off before entering the school grounds.
Parents/Guardians must have completed the necessary written permission for their child to have a mobile device in school explaining why their child requires it. children in the senior classes who are not being collected or dropped by a parent/guardian have any need to have a device with them. Only We strongly encourage parents to consider if their child actually needs a mobile phone or smart watch as it has been proven that excessive use of these devices can have a detrimental impact on pupils' concentration, academic performance and relationships.
Children from Junior Infants to 3rd class are not permitted to have mobile phones or smart watches under any circumstances. Pupils in 4th class will only be allowed devices in exceptional circumstances.
Where parents decide it is absolutely necessary for pupils in the senior classes (5th & 6th) to have these devices in school and they have completed the necessary paperwork, they will be collected up by the teacher in the morning and returned at the end of the day. There is absolutely no need for any child to have both a mobile phone and a smart watch in school.
The only exceptions are devices specifically approved by the school for educational purposes, which may include those recommended in an educational report or provided by the school to enhance learning or those devices necessary as medical hi Hereland devices.
The school accepts no responsibility for replacing lost, stolen or damaged devices. The safety and security of any electronic device is wholly a matter for parents/guardians.
Mobile phones and smart watches may not be used by pupils, for any purpose during off-site activities (school trips, matches etc.). Teachers will have a contact number if it is necessary to contact a parent/guardian during school outings.
Children who need to contact home during school hours may do so through the School Secretary using the school phone. Parents are reminded that in cases of emergency, the school phone on 086 7001901 remains the first point of contact and can ensure your child is reached quickly and helped in an appropriate way.
If a child uses their device in school or leaves it switched on, it will be confiscated only returned to the child's parents.
It is very important that pupils who own mobile phones, smart watches etc. are aware that it is a criminal offence to menace, harass or offend another person using these devices. If there is a suspicion that material on a device may provide evidence in relation to a crime it will be handed over to Gardaí for further investigation. Parents will be informed in such circumstances. If a school staff member has a suspicion that there is unsuitable material stored on a phone, it will be confiscated and parents will be informed.
Staff:
Recognising the obligations and responsibilities entrusted to staff when working with children, it is crucial that staff maintain active engagement with children throughout their working hours. Staff members are expected to use their phones responsibly.
Regarding data, staff members are also advised to utilise mobile devices responsibly. They may use their devices to document/record any school-related tasks if desired. However, it is mandatory for staff to ensure that the Aladdin App is never left open on their mobile devices. All staff members using Aladdin are obligated to always maintain data security. Staff should be aware that unauthorised recordings of school business are strictly prohibited. This encompasses all meetings and events. If there is a necessity to record a meeting, all attendees must consent to the recording beforehand. Any unauthorised recordings of meetings will be treated as a breach of disciplinary procedures.
When staff use devices to record audio, images, or videos related to school activities or events, they must upload the content to the appropriate secure platform after the event and delete the content from the device used.
Typically, personal calls should be made outside of school hours. However, in urgent situations, staff members should exercise discretion when making calls, ensuring where applicable, that their classroom or the child they are assisting is supervised during the call.
Incoming personal calls should be limited to urgent matters for all staff members.
Mobile devices must not be utilised for recreational activities while on school premises or during school hours.
Parents/Guardians, Visitors:
Parents/Guardians and visitors must not use devices to record audio, images or video unless specifically permitted by the school. Meetings with staff, parents or visitors cannot be recorded due to GDPR and confidentiality reasons. Mobile devices must always be turned off at parent/teacher meetings.
Parents/Guardians and visitors are equally responsible for maintaining child protection standards when it comes to capturing images or videos of children within the school. They must refrain from sharing any school-related media, including photographs, videos or recordings of children, on their personal social media platforms unless explicitly authorised by both the school and all individuals depicted in the content.
Policy Breach Investigation Rights: We reserve the right to investigate any breach of our electronic device policy concerning child safeguarding, child privacy, staff privacy, and dignity at work.
Policy Review: This policy was ratified on the 26th January 2026 and will be reviewed as necessary.
To download a copy of the Mobile Phone and Devices Form, click here.