By Sue-Ann Wayow
THE Ministry of Education is reminding school principals of guidelines as it relates to mobile hand-held electronics inclusive of cellphones.
The guidelines were reissued on November 10, 2022, by Chief Education Officer Dr Peter Smith to principals and administrators of primary, secondary and Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) centres as well as school supervisors III, II and I.
The guidelines for the use of Mobile Hand-held Electronic Communication Devices (MHECDs) have been set out in the National School of Conduct.
They are:
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MHECDs must be used responsibly at all times while on the school compound.
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Students are prohibited from using MHECDs during class time unless authorised by a teacher.
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MHECDs must not be used to make any recording, audio or video of any activity on the school compound including class sessions unless written consent is granted by the principal or designated school administrator.
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MHECDs must not be used in changing rooms, toilets and any other location that may cause discomfort to students and staff
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Students remain responsible for all personal MHECDs brought to the school compound
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Students in school uniform are bound by the Mobile Phone policy of the school even when they are out of the school compound
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Members of staff should exercise discretion and use their MHECDs (for personal purposes) only in instances of emergency while they are engaged in teaching and learning exercises with students.
The letter also states, “Principals are also asked to refer to the National School Discipline Matrix which outlines the list of infractions and details their consequences when treating with students who commit any violations which bring their colleagues or the school into disrepute.
“Please bring the aforementioned policies to the attention of all members of staff, students and parents to ensure strict adherence.”
