Dear Parents/Caregivers,
We understand that mobiles have great utility, but mobile phone use has increasingly become a source of distraction, antisocial behavior and conflict both at home and at school.
Moruya High School believes in maintaining a safe and effective educational environment for all of its students. Research shows that the mere presence of mobiles in the classroom can be detrimental to student performance. According to a survey and report from Common Sense Media that involved 1,240 interviews with parents and their 12 to 18-year-old children, 50% of teens feel attached to their mobile devices, and 59% of their parents agree that their kids have a problem putting their devices down.
The Yondr program employs a simple, easy-to-use case that stores a phone and requires an unlocking base to open. When students enter school grounds they will place their phone in a Yondr case which is then locked. Students maintain possession of their phones but will not be able to use them until they are unlocked at the end of the day. Unlocking stations would be provided for lessons that require or would be enriched by the use of mobile phones.
We believe this will allow our students to be:
- Engaged in classroom activities and assignments
- Less dependent on electronics to do classwork
- Less likely to engage in conversations around bullying
- Less likely to be distracted and procrastinate on assignments in class
In an effort to best serve your child, we will need your full support in adoption of the Yondr program at our school. We want to assure our families that you can reach your child via the main office on 02 4474 2155. Unlocking stations will also be available in the Front Office, Library, Faculty staff rooms, and the Deputy Office, if a case needs to be unlocked.
It is important that the students do not feel like their phone is trapped but some students will still struggle during the transition period. We thank you for your continued support in ensuring a safe and healthy learning environment for our students. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the school directly, and our Student Support Officer, Christa McCarthy will return your call to answer any questions.
View the mobile hone policy and procedure
View Yondr FAQ to better understand the system.
