Your son’s communication with you while he is not in your care is very important, both for you and him. For the boarders, having a chat to you on the phone regularly is essential.
At times there are boys who message/phone their parents during the school day with a phone they have on them which is meant to be locked in the dorms during the day. If they are in touch with you on their phone, they could also be messaging/Snapchatting/Instagramming with friends as well!
There is certainly a time and a place for mobile phone use and the College rules attempt to educate the boys in this. Parents can support these guidelines by not calling or texting boys during times when they should not be using their phones. Your support on this would be very much appreciated.
The guidelines for use of mobile phones at Joeys:
Mobile Phones
Boys are allowed to have mobile phones at the College and use them under the following conditions.
Mobile phones are not to be carried or used; on campus from 8.00am, until 3.30pm, in dining rooms, at sport, during evening study, after lights out.
During these times boys are required to store mobile phones securely in their boarding lockers.
Mobile phones brought to school by boys are the responsibility of the owner. The school does not take responsibility for the loss or damage of mobile phones.
Boys are also reminded that transmission of inappropriate communication is unacceptable at any time.
Students are permitted to use their mobile phones DURING THEIR FREE TIME as designated by their Boarding Coordinator.
NOTE:
Each mobile phone must be switched to the SILENT MODE at all times. Each mobile phone must be SWITCHED OFF outside the times listed above.
There are many studies indicating the detrimental effect of mobile phone usage during academic studies.
For example, one such study found that students who were not using their mobile phones wrote down 62% more information in their notes, took more detailed notes, were able to recall more detailed information from a lecture, and scored a grade and a half higher on a multiple choice test than those students who were actively using their mobile phones.
Jeffrey H. Kuznekoff & Scott Titsworth (2013) The Impact of Mobile Phone Usage on Student Learning, Communication Education, 62:3, 233-252, DOI: 10.1080/03634523.2013.767917 http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/03634523.2013.767917