MOBILE PHONE AND WEARABLE TECHNOLOGY POLICY

 

1. AIM OF THIS POLICY

Clubland Playscheme accepts that mobile technology is part of the ever changing digital environment that we live and work in. Clubland Playscheme continues to foster a ‘culture of safety’ in which the children and staff are protected from abuse, harm, and distress. We therefore have a clear policy on the acceptable use of mobile phones and other wearable technology that is understood and adhered to by everyone; staff, children and parents/carers. 

Abiding by the terms of this policy ensures that we all:

• Protect children from harm and abuse
• Ensure privacy is respected and online safety is preserved
• Prevent staff from being subject to false allegations
• Help staff remain focused on the care of children
• Work in an open and transparent environment

 With the evolution of mobile and wearable technology including camera facilities as standard, it is of the utmost importance that the way we deal with mobile phones and wearable technology is managed safely.

2. STAFF USE OF MOBILE PHONES AND WEARABLE TECHNOLOGY

During working hours, personal mobile phones belonging to members of staff should be switched off and kept in a secure box which is provided at each setting. This is with the exception of our Playscheme Managers whose mobile phones must be password protected and only used when the setting phone is unavailable for whatever reason.

Only tablet computers that are owned and maintained by Clubland are permitted to be used on site. These have appropriate safeguards for their use and the use of the image taking capabilities including only using them to access Clubland systems such as Magicbooking, BrightHR and Office365.

Wearable technology such a Smartwatches and Fitbits (this list is not exhaustive) are permitted to be worn by staff however they may only be used as a watch when working with children. This means that all other functions must be disabled (using flight mode). 

If a member of staff needs to make an urgent personal call they can use the setting phone or make a personal call from their mobile in an area designated by the Playscheme Manager.

If a member of staff has a family emergency or similar and needs to keep their mobile phone to hand, prior permission must be sought from the Playscheme Manager or Deputy.

Under no circumstances may staff use their personal mobile phones or wearable technology to take photographs at the setting during working hours.

3. CHILDREN’S USE OF MOBILE PHONES

Whilst we understand that some children have mobile phones, we actively discourage them from using their phones within the club. If they bring their phones in, they must be switched off and placed in the secure box provided at each setting, alongside the staff phones. 

The company does not accept responsibility for loss or damage to mobile phones brought to the setting by the children.

Children must not use their mobile phone to take photographs or any kind whilst at the setting. If they want a photograph of a particular activity they can ask a member of staff to take one using the club camera.

4. VISITORS’ USE OF MOBILE PHONES

In the interest of safeguarding we ask all parents and visitors not to use their phones or other mobile devices on Clubland premises.

The taking of photographs by parents/carers or visitors is strictly prohibited. If a parent/carer would like to have a photograph of their child involved in an activity or at play, they can ask a member of staff to take one using the setting camera. We would advise the parent/carer to ensure the permissions on their online account are set to allow the staff to take photographs of their child.

5. RELATED POLICIES

See also related policies: Safeguarding Policy.

Last reviewed: June 2024

Next review date: June 2025