The State Government has committed to banning mobile phones in schools.

From the beginning of Term 3 2023, students will be required to store their personal electronic devices “off and away” between the start and end of each school day. This includes while students are present on school grounds, or attending an authorised school activity such as an excursion, camp or similar.

To support the implementation of the government policy Mount Gambier High School will provide a YONDR pouch, free of charge, to all students. The YONDR program has been implemented effectively in over 1,000 schools, across 21 countries. We are encouraged by a 2019 survey of 900 of these schools where notable progress was reported in multiple areas:
• 69% of schools saw an improvement in academic performance
• 84% of schools saw an increase in student engagement in the classroom
• 80% of schools saw a decrease in behavior referrals

The Implementation Plan and Frequently Asked Questions documents below provide information on the program.

We are confident there will be many benefits to our students’ wellbeing and achievement as their reliance on technology is reduced and thank you for your support as we implement the South Australian Government ban and Department for Education’s updated Policy at Mount Gambier High School.

Individual students may have extenuating reasons for needing access to their personal device during school hours, such as where:
• the device is used to monitor or help manage a health condition
• the device is a negotiated adjustment to a learning program for a student with a disability or learning difficulties
• the device is used for translation by a student with English as an additional language
• the student has extenuating personal circumstances that require them to have more ready access to their personal device, such as being a parent themselves or a primary carer to a younger sibling or unwell family member.

When an exemption has been approved by the Principal, the student is allowed to use their device for the purpose of the exemption only and should not be using the personal device during the school day for other reasons.

Please download the Exemption Form below if you wish to apply for a personal device exemption for your child.

More Information

If you have any further questions or concerns that are not covered in the documents, please contact the school on 8721 0200, or via email: dl.0784.info@schools.sa.edu.

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