Personal Digital Devices
PERSONAL DIGITAL DEVICES
Student and staff privacy, safety, and well-being are Surrey Schools’ highest priorities.
With the increasing availability of personal digital recording devices such as smart glasses, smart watches, and cell phones, a reminder that students, staff, parents, guardians, families, visitors, and community members, may not record, photograph, film, or capture audio of students or staff on school property without their prior consent.
This includes taking photos, recording videos or capturing audio in classrooms, common areas, hallways, playgrounds, school events or other school spaces on district property. Please see the Surrey School District’s policy pertaining to digital devices below:
The safe and responsible use of personal digital devices is expected by all District students, employees, volunteers, parents, guardians and community members who are on District property or interacting with students or staff. This includes the following:
- Those using personal digital devices need to abide by the school code of conduct as well as all Provincial and Federal laws and the British Columbia Human Rights Code. This includes not using personal digital devices to engage or participate in bullying or harassment, discrimination, or defamation of character.
- At both elementary and secondary schools, personal digital devices can be used during class time to enhance learning at the direction of the classroom teacher. These devices should be used in a way that is respectful of other’s learning and does not distract others in terms of light, sound, or by other means.
- At elementary schools, it is expected that personal digital devices are to be put away during non-class time such as recess and lunch. Exceptions to this are for students who need digital devices for medical or health reasons, translation, accessibility or other student-specific reasons.
- Personal Digital devices should not be used during lock down procedures or drills. The use of personal digital devices during this time may impact the emergency safety response.
- District staff and students should not be recorded, visually or audibly, for any reason without their prior consent.
- The District is not responsible for lost, missing, or damaged personal digital devices that students choose to bring to school.
We recognize that personal digital devices are a part of everyday life and can support learning, communication and accessibility. At the same time, we ask families to review these expectations with their children.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. Please reach out any time with your questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Robin Smalley
Principal
