SMART DEVICES & TECHNOLOGY USE

The safety and wellbeing of students is always our highest priority and we are committed to creating an environment where young people can learn, connect and grow without unnecessary digital distractions.

Our approach to mobile phones and smart devices is designed to support focused learning, encourage healthy social interactions, and provide families with clear, consistent expectations.

We also recognise the important role families play in guiding safe and balanced technology use at home. To support this partnership, we offer access to trusted resources, tools and advice to help parents navigate the online world with confidence.

Together, we aim to foster a safe, respectful and engaging learning environment where students can thrive.

Mobile Phones & Smart Devices at School

Mobile phones and other smart devices are not permitted to be used during the School day as follows:

  • Once a student enters the gates, they are not permitted to use their smart devices until the bell sounds at the end of the School day, until such time devices should remain securely in lockers.
  • Smart devices are not permitted on Learning Journeys and excursions without staff approval.
  • Students are not permitted to take their smart devices to sport training, unless being collected directly from training by a parent. This will require prior confirmation and approval from the relevant Head of Sport or Head/Deputy Head of Campus.
  • A student may use their smart devices for educational purposes, ONLY if directed to do so by the class teacher.
  • Students are not permitted to listen to music at school, which means no air pods/earphones, unless directed/approved to do so by the class teacher.
  • Mobile phones cannot be used for Greenways Café payments – students can use cash or cashless payments can be made via an EFTPOS card. Alternatively, students can make cashless purchases at the Frogmore Café using a Student ID card linked to a Flexischools account.
Regulating Technology Use

We often have parents express concerns about regulating the time their children spend on devices, especially during or after the holidays as many have more freedom during this time.

To support families, we recommend the eSafety Commissioner website, which offers resources and tools to help establish parental controls and guide children toward balanced, effective device use for wellbeing and learning both at home and at school.

  • eSafety Commissioner website
  • eSafety Parents: Advice for parents and carers to help children have safe experiences online.
  • eSafety Guide: Learn about the latest games, apps and social media, including how to protect your information and report inappropriate content.
  • Parent/carer webinars: These live webinars offer knowledge, skills and tools to support children to have safe online experiences.
Safe Schools Environment & ICT Usage Policy (Years 5 – 12)

The purpose of the Safe School Environment & ICT Usage Policy (Years 5 – 12) is to support a positive school culture and the right for individuals to feel safe and secure in their school environment.

In addition, the policy provides clear guidelines for the use of ICTs within the School context and to ensure that the use of ICTs does not impede or negatively impact on the learning of any Mentone Grammar student. 

Policy in student diary

The policy can also be found in the student diaries and both students and parents are required to sign the relevant diary page at the start of the academic year to confirm both parties have read and understood the full policy including associated expectations and consequences for any breaches.

Student Diaries

We require students to make consistent use of their diaries and weekly planners to help manage their time effectively, stay organised, and build positive study habits.

Mentors will check student diaries at the start of the week to ensure work programs have been completed.

Help sessions and tutoring schedules (senior students) can be incorporated into this weekly planning to help students develop a clear and balanced routine.