'Depower Hour' minimising technology harm

A new technology policy has been introduced in the boarding houses to combat the harm caused by device use, particularly around smart phones and social media, says Director of Boarding, Matt Parr.

“I’d estimate around 80–90 per cent of our pastoral care issues are related to smart phones in some way. Whether it’s catfishing, online bullying, or even just filming and sharing something online, a phone is usually central to the problem, and often escalates it.”

Another factor “changing the game” is the fact most students are now on unlimited data plans, shares Matt.

“A couple of years ago most students had limited data plans which restricted their access. But with unlimited data the students can operate outside the College safety net and hotspot their phones to other devices.”

Matt says the new technology policy has also been informed by feedback from the parent committee, with one of the exciting inclusions being the ‘Depower Hour’, or ‘Connection Hour’, a technology-free time once a week between 8.00pm and 9.00pm, following Prep.

“The boarders and staff all put their devices down for an hour, and we encourage the students to get together and hang out. The Year 12 Future Leaders are keen to organise card nights and games nights. It will be great to watch this happen organically, with the students sleading and driving it.”

Boarders in Years 9–11 hand their phone and laptops in each night half an hour before bed, with Year 9 boarders also unable to access their devices during weekends. Year 10 and 11 students have limited use of their laptops on weekends, without their chargers or internet access.

“Year 12 students can choose to either opt in or opt out of the restrictions (with parental permission) and some have stayed in which is great,” shares Matt. “There are no restrictions for Year 13 students, who we encourage to manage their devices responsibly.”

As Director of Boarding and Head of Middle School, Matt has been working with Preparatory School Deputy Principal (Well-being) and Head of Education, Vicki Pettit, and a group on the College-wide Hold the Line till Year 9 approach. He is also rewriting the StAC Unplugged policy, incorporating the new aims to delay access to smartphones until students reach the Secondary School, and restricting access to social media until the end of Year 11.

“We are trying to build awareness with our parents too, especially around the social pressure their children face with device use,” says Matt. “My plan is to introduce a restricted phone licence between parents and their child to help guide them through this vulnerable stage, including an agreement that parents still own the phone and can check it any stage. The students would ‘graduate’ after demonstrating responsible phone use. It’s something we would mirror in the boarding houses.”

Matt says technology isn’t “evil”, although there are known dangers which are not up for debate.

“We all know the damage technology can do, and have to do more as educators, in the boarding environment, and as parents, to stop kids getting themselves into trouble.”

Although there has been some resistance from students to the technology policies, most are accepting, he adds.

“The great thing in boarding is we have the ability to manage it. The boarders might not like the restrictions all the time, but long term I think they’ll appreciate it.”