Our approach to mobile phones aims to promote safe, respectful and responsible use of mobile devices to the benefit of the whole WHS community, while supporting student wellbeing, online safety and age-appropriate independence.

Respectful use:

• Good digital etiquette should be followed at all times.
• Mobile devices must not be used or visible when moving around the school site.
• Students in the Lower and Middle Schools must have their phones off all day and in Year 7 and 8 phones must be visible in their phone lockers or stored at Reception.
• From September 2026, students in Year 7 who bring a phone to school must bring a basic "brick phone" (feature phone) rather than a smartphone. These phones must be visible in their designated phone lockers or stored at Reception.
• Students in Year 8 and above who bring a phone to school must keep it visible in their designated phone lockers or stored at Reception.
• Mobile phones will remain stored from the beginning to the end of the school day and must not be accessed without permission.
• Misuse of a mobile phone will result in sanctions, ranging from behaviour points and confiscation to detention and communication home. Please refer to the Behaviour Policy.
• Headphones should not be worn when moving around the site unless this forms part of an agreed support arrangement for a neurodivergent student.

Responsible use:

• All use of mobile phones must take place in accordance with the law and relevant school policies, including the Anti-Bullying, Behaviour, Safeguarding and Online Safety Policies.
• The school encourages the use of basic mobile phones for younger students, recognising that these provide essential communication while limiting access to social media, messaging platforms and wider internet content.
• Mobile phones must be protected by a security code or other appropriate security measure to prevent unauthorised use.
• Students found to have been disrespectful, abusive or harmful to others through the use of a mobile device will be sanctioned.
• If a mobile phone is used inappropriately, a member of staff will confiscate it and hand it to Reception for collection at the end of the school day. Repeated confiscations within a half-term period will result in a Friday detention and communication home.
• The School cannot be responsible for insuring the private property of pupils; insurance should be arranged through parents' domestic insurance policies where appropriate.

Safe use:

• Students are reminded of the illegal nature of sending explicit images of themselves or others and such cases will be dealt with appropriately using child protection and safeguarding procedures, including informing the authorities as necessary.
• Students must ensure that files stored on their phones do not contain violent, degrading, racist, homophobic, transphobic or pornographic images. The transmission of such images can be a criminal offence.
• Students are strongly encouraged not to communicate with individuals unless they are known to them.
• Students and parents are required to abide by legal regulation of social media platforms. Students found using these platforms on school site, contrary to these age restrictions, will receive at least a Friday detention and communication home.
• Through its curriculum and pastoral programme, the School will continue to educate students about responsible technology use, digital wellbeing and online safety.

Exceptions:

• The School recognises that students may require access to a mobile phone to support independent travel to and from school.
• Where a parent or carer believes there is a specific or exceptional reason why a student requires a smartphone on site, they should contact the School to discuss the circumstances. Requests will be considered on an individual basis.