New school mobile phone policy working well at Shepparton schools

By McPherson Media Group

Feb 6, 2020

This year, schools across the Greater Shepparton region have been issued with a statewide mobile phone policy.

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Students who bring their phones to school must now keep them switched off and securely stored during school hours.

But Shepparton Christian College principal Chris Aiton said his school independently implemented the policy in 2008.

“It’s always been something we’ve known as a potential problem, since before I’ve been here, which is six years,” Mr Aiton said.

“The ban tries to reach a nice compromise — students are required to keep their phones in their lockers, we value the socialising between the students.”

At Shepparton Christian College, students can check their mobile phone quickly at their locker over recess and lunch, but otherwise phone use is banned.

Mr Aiton said students accepted the rule and understood why it was brought in.

“The students recognise the benefits of not having a digital distraction during learning time,” he said.

“It’s something we have to be vigilant with; we have to hold firm on our policies, and we warn students of consequences.

“The main aspect is we're here to help our young people grow and learn and develop.”

Greater Shepparton Secondary College's Wanganui Park Campus principal Ken Murray said the policy, which was implemented this year, had been “overwhelmingly” positively received.

“It’s pretty much a non-issue,” Mr Murray said.

“I think students have realised this is not just one school that’s brought it in, but it’s a statewide initiative.”

Mr Murray said he had not had to punish any wrongdoers; instead, teachers were positively reinforcing that students needed to keep their phones away from the learning environment, taking a “non-confrontational approach”.

Mr Murray spoke with principals at other GSSC campuses, who had similar initial responses to the policy.

“We were concerned this could become a point of contention, but it’s been great to see students act so responsibly,” Mr Murray said.

The News asked Year 12 students at Shepparton Christian College and Greater Shepparton Secondary College (pictured) how they were handling the mobile phone policy:

Shepparton Christian College (L to R)

Nic Geerling, 17

"Yeah it would help me not get distracted from class. I've had my phone taken off me once before, and it definitely taught me a lesson."

Elzaan Etsabeth, 17

"It's good, it helps to keep me off my phone. I haven't had mine confiscated."

Heidi Hudson, 16

"The phone policy is good because it helps us not get distracted and socialise more."

Josiah Mioni, 17

"I don't mind it. I think it helps us focus on our studies and helps us get through the day without worrying about what's happening on social media.

Greater Shepparton Secondary College, Wanganui Campus (L to R)

Spencer Feldtmann, 17

"I think it's a good idea because it gives us another opportunity to focus on schoolwork."

Aaron Duncan, 17

I think it's good because we can't get distracted by other kids who are always using their phone. I never used to bring my phone anyway, so it doesn't matter."

Myah Tremellen, 16

"I'm the same with Aaron - I used to leave my phone in my locker, so it's good everyone has to as well."

Emily Wilson, 17

"I think it's good because it gives us a chance to interact with everyone else when we're finished working rather than just going on our phones."

Laura Cole, 17

"I think it's really good. It's a bit different, but it hasn't been hard to get used to. It makes us concentrate in class and be more social at recess and lunch."