Phone Policy


Cellphone Policy

At Mangakōtukutuku College, our approach to cellphones and other personal digital devices supports student engagement and achievement. Personal digital devices include cellphones, which we manage according to government regulations, and other devices such as laptops, tablets, and smartwatches. 

Our approach to cellphones is "away for the day", meaning cellphones either do not come with the student to school, or are kept in their Yondr pouches for the whole school day. Our students are provided with lockable Yondr pouches to keep their phones in. In the morning before whānau class, these will be locked in pouches and every student will take responsibility for their pouches throughout the day. Students will be able to unlock their pouches from the lock boxes at each exit upon leaving at the end of the day.

Cellphone regulations

To comply with government regulations, we ensure students do not use cellphones during school hours, including break times. Parents/Caregivers can request an exemption from the school if required. We allow exemptions for students to use cellphones if they are required for:

  • a specific educational purpose approved by a teacher
  • health needs (e.g. to monitor insulin levels)
  • disability or learning support needs
  • a special circumstance approved by the principal.

If a parent or caregiver needs to contact their child during school hours, they should call the office.

Rules about cellphones and other personal digital devices made by the board are a school bylaw. The board consults with the school community when making or amending bylaws. We discuss school rules about personal digital devices at the beginning of the year, and throughout the year as needed.

Inappropriate use

Inappropriate use of a personal digital device may include:

  • using a device when not allowed
  • any sort of bullying, including online bullying
  • sending or sharing inappropriate content
  • taking photos or videos of other people without their permission.

Inappropriate use of a personal digital device is managed according to the relevant school policy or procedure:

If a student uses a personal digital device inappropriately (including using a cellphone when it is not allowed) the student must hand it to a staff member immediately when asked. If possible, the student should lock their device before handing it to staff. The device will be kept in the office and can be collected by the student at the end of the day.

How Yondr Works


Frequently Asked Questions

We want our students to be engaged in their learning. Please refrain from contacting your student during the school day unless it is necessary. Contact the main office at 07 899 8057 to reach your child.

In case of an emergency, we direct our students to safety first. School staff will be able to unlock a Yondr pouch in a matter of seconds for students once they are in a safe and secure location.

Students are in possession of their phone - in their Yondr pouch - for the entire school day. We will advise students to store the pouch in their backpacks where it is safe.

The Yondr pouch belongs to the school just like any other school supply. If a student damages a Yondr pouch, he/she will be held responsible. The student’s phone will be confiscated, and a parent must come to school to retrieve it.

The school policy would allow for an exemption for those students that require the use of phones for medical purposes e.g. students with Type 1 Diabetes measuring blood sugar levels

Mobile phones are not required at school and students have access to more suitable technology such as laptop banks and computer rooms for most tasks.

If deemed suitable, portable unlocking stations can be utilised in the classroom to allow for the use of phones for educational purposes. The phones will then be locked back into the pouch.