Paparoa Street School
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At Paparoa Street School, our approach to cellphones and other personal digital devices supports ākonga engagement and achievement. Personal digital devices include cellphones, which we manage according to government regulations, and other devices such as laptops, tablets, and smartwatches. Devices that are part of a kura-approved Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) programme have separate conditions for use.
Paparoa Street School does not recommend that ākonga bring personal digital devices to the kura. These are not necessary to have during the day. However, we understand that some parents like their tamariki to have a device to communicate with them after kura.
Ākonga who have health needs that require trackers or monitors (diabetics) and communication devices are able to access personal devices at the discretion of the kura and family.
Cellphone regulations
To comply with government regulations, we ensure ākonga do not use cellphones during kura hours, including break times. Parents/Caregivers can request an exemption from the kura if required. We allow exemptions for ākonga to use cellphones if they are required for:
If a parent or caregiver needs to contact their tamaiti during kura hours, they should call the tari. Any digital device should not be used to communicate with parents/caregivers during classtime.
Rules about cellphones and other personal digital devices made by the poari matua are a 
kura bylaw. The poari matua consults with the kura community when making or amending bylaws. We discuss kura rules about personal digital devices at the beginning of the year, and throughout the year as needed.
Device requirements at kura
The kura promotes safe and responsible use of digital technology. Ākonga are required to comply with our digital technology policies and procedures if devices are brought to kura. See Digital Technology and Online Safety.
If ākonga bring personal digital devices (including cellphones) to kura, the following requirements apply:
Inappropriate use
Inappropriate use of a personal digital device may include:
online bullyingInappropriate use of a personal digital device is managed according to the relevant kura policy or procedure:
If an ākonga uses a personal digital device inappropriately (including using a cellphone when it is not allowed) the ākonga must hand it to a kaimahi immediately when asked. If possible, the ākonga should lock their device before handing it to kaimahi. The device will be kept in the tari and can be collected by the ākonga at the end of the day.
The tumuaki assures the poari matua that the kura does not allow ākonga to use cellphones during kura hours, including break times, unless ākonga have been granted an exemption. See Review Schedule and Poari Matua Assurances.
Release history: Term 3 2025, Term 1 2024, Term 1 2023, Term 2 2020
