As a young school, IES College is inherently going to be subject to change. Recently, there has been discussion amongst staff regarding restrictions on mobile phones and internet usage. These discussions are gradually transitioning towards policy and may begin to affect IES College students. This article aims to discuss the possibilities and connotations of potential changes regarding both issues. However, it is important to recognise these changes are not yet finalised.

The most emphasized motives for possible tightening of IES mobile phone policy include removing distractions from classrooms and following the actions of Queensland state schools. Legislation announced by Education Minister Grace Grace mandates an “away for the day” policy, where student mobile devices are confiscated from students or not allowed to be turned on (unless medically needed) during the school day. This has been in place since Term 1 2024 in Queensland State Schools, but as a private school, IES is not required to follow this policy.

Restrictions on phones are also motivated by the intent to foster a positive school environment, with students interacting face-to-face without the distraction of a mobile phone. These limitations have been emphasised for year 10 students who are the youngest group at IES. In a recent interview with Ms Waters, she likens this to parenting, saying “when you show that you can do the right thing, your parents give you more leeway… and it’s exactly the same as a school, that that’s what we’ve got to do.”

The logistics of potential changes are still in the air, as the specific policies that may be implemented are not yet finalised. However, it could be a similar transition towards common QLD policy like the “away for the day” method. It is almost certain there will be, at the very least, a continuation of the year 10 phone box. As is currently the case, mobile phone permissions can be altered for students with accessibility needs (e.g. listening to music which allows improved focus or calmness). This would be available to students through inclusive access arrangements.

Despite not have to follow state school policy IES is equally allowed to implement its own policies to meet desired goals. Decisions regarding mobile device and internet access are primarily up to the Principal/CEO and IT Manager and are supervised by the Board of Trustees. While bans on mobile phones would address the immediate issue of in-class distraction, it is my belief that they do not allow for students’ own development of personal management skills. Blanket rules also do not give students the ability to prove their own trustworthiness, instead they assume students will be unable to self-manage, and need restrictions in order to function. This demonstrated lack of trust can lead to student agitation and a weakening of amicability between students and teachers which IES prides itself on (and advertises itself by).

Other restrictions may be imminent in the form of website blocking, motivated by protecting students from harm (such as cyberbullying, malware and 18+ content) and reducing distractions to keep in-class device usage relevant. IES has identified issues with students accessing websites deemed to be inappropriate and has already blocked a handful of sites on the student Wi-Fi. Internet restrictions are likely familiar to most IES students, as these practices are extremely prevalent in QLD state schools.

IES College website restrictions would be overseen by the IT Manager, meaning they will be unique to IES. The majority of sites likely to be blocked are those containing illegal or adult-only content. So far, websites blocked have been predominantly identified on a case-by-case basis (if an issue arose at school). The localised nature of restrictions would make requesting the unblocking of sites much more accessible to students, and if justified, quite simple.

Currently, IES utilises a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policy. Wifi restrictions are external, and therefore require no changes to existing BYOD policies. However, the topic of installing blocking software is being actively discussed. This could mean that student-purchased devices will have software installed by the school (with parental permission). These changes are not finalised and are unlikely to be implemented this year.

This also may impact students who use social media to communicate, as it is likely a number of social media platforms are also going to be blocked. Blocking also does not allow students to develop responsible technology use or digital literacy independently (e.g. recognising scams or sketchy websites), skills which are extremely important in a rapidly digitising society. However, I do believe it is important to acknowledge that blocking illegal websites is justified.

Current IES policy (available through the school website) states:

“… students will develop their own digital workflows and practices. IES College similarly recognises that there are occasions when it is appropriate and beneficial for students to have access to mobile phones during the school day. IES College aims to allow students to take ownership and responsibility for their technology.”

- IES College Handbook: Use of Technology (page 10). (Source: https://iescollege.sharepoint.com/:w:/g/ESeelakYmD5CrlKC6B2EuCYBE6iVuA_nqH8bHDBkDAzjOw?e=BlmxDC)

However, in the IES College Digital Citizenship and BYOD Policy (Dec 2019), it is noted that the policy is up-for-review July 1st 2024, meaning that regardless of whether these changes contradict the values, intentions, or actions of current policy, the policy itself can be altered significantly by the Policy Approval Authorities (It Manager and Principal) as long as it is approved by the Compliance and Policy Team.

If installed blocking software were to be implemented by IES College, it has been emphasized that privacy is a priority. IT staff would not be checking whether students had attempted to access blocked sites, and that data would only be accessed if there were extreme concerns regarding student behaviour (linked to online activity). This could only be done through specific request and would be recorded as an audit.

It is certain there will be changes, but the exact timing of them is uncertain. Changes like a grade 10 phone ban or an installed web-blocker are motivated by improving efficient technology use and protecting IES students. Before these changes occur, there has been a motion for teachers to ensure that students are using technology responsibly during study periods. This mostly involves sitting in “visible” areas, where the supervising teacher can see your screen. Monitoring like this furthers the narrative of blanket mistrust towards students.

In the future, IES will continue to change. To promote changes that directly fulfil student interest, I encourage student readers to share what they believe would be valuable additions/alterations with student council and staff.