Dear Parents/Guardians,
I hope this letter finds you well. At Skibbereen Community School we are committed to providing the best possible learning environment for our students. In this regard, we are updating our mobile phone policy to further support student focus, wellbeing, and academic success.
At the start of this school year the then Minister for Education, Ms. Norma Foley instructed schools to implement a ban on the use of mobile phones during the school day as part of a push to ensure that schools become mobile phone free learning environments in the interest of student wellbeing.
Our existing mobile phone policy already limits the use of mobile phones during the school day with phone usage only permitted for learning purposes under the supervision of teachers. Students in breach of this policy currently have their phones confiscated and returned to them at the end of the school day.
However, in recent months it is becoming more and more apparent that the use of mobile phones outside of this policy is increasing as are all the associated negative effects on student wellbeing. Indeed in a recent survey on bullying behaviours undertaken by the school very large numbers of students and parents state that phone usage is a contributory factor in relation to bullying behaviour and that the school should do more to limit their use during the school day.
For these reasons, the following changes to the school's mobile phone policy will come into effect from the 24th of March 2025.
• Students should only bring a phone to school where it is absolutely necessary to contact parents after school.
• Mobile phones will now be collected at the start of each class by teachers and returned at the end of the lesson.
• Students who use their phone at any time during the school day outside of teacher directed use will have it confiscated.
• A parent/guardian will now be required to collect the phone from the school office.
• Failure to hand over a phone on request or the use of second or multiple phones will result in immediate sanction ranging from a red card and associated sanctions to suspension in accordance with the nature of the incident.
• The school canteen will no longer accept payment by phone. Cash or card will be the only methods of payment accepted.
• Students will continue to be able to contact home through the school office. Please refrain from texting or phoning your son/daughter during school hours. Urgent messages for students can be left at the school office.
We appreciate your support in reinforcing this policy at home and discussing the benefits of reduced phone use with your child.
These benefits include:
• Reduced distraction from learning: A report from the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) found that frequent mobile phone use and always on notifications negatively impacts student concentration and academic outcomes, often taking up to 20 minutes to refocus from a phone notification.
• Reduced impact on mental health: The Ombudsman for Children's Office has raised concerns about phone use contributing to anxiety, peer pressure, and sleep deprivation among teenagers.
• Improved social development: Limiting phone use encourages face-to-face interactions and cultivates conversation both of which are crucial for communication skills and emotional well-being.
• Reduced access to harmful content such as violence, inappropriate sexual content and gambling.
• Reduced risk of bullying and harassment.
Thank you for working with us to ensure that Skibbereen Community School continues to provide a focused and positive learning space for all students. If you have any questions,• please do not hesitate to contact us.
Regards,
Mr. Anton O Mahony,
Principal.
