STUDENTS caught using mobile phones for bullying or sending inappropriate photos will have them confiscated at school under tougher powers for principals.
The new guidelines announced yesterday will help principals deter students from bringing items such as offensive magazines, toys, electronic devices, weapons and illegal substances to school.
Education Minister Geoff Wilson said the guidelines, which come into effect on July 26, would ensure that schools were safer for students.
"The new guidelines make it simpler to confiscate items to ensure appropriate behaviour and safety standards in state schools," he said.
Mr Wilson said reasons for taking items away from students include: if it disrupts teaching or learning, is dangerous, illegal or being used inappropriately.
Parents groups have supported the move but say principals should make sure parents are still able to contact students if mobile phones are confiscated.
Queensland Council of Parents and Citizens Association president Margaret Black said schools already had policies regarding mobile phone use, with some, such as Atherton State High School banning them during school hours.
She said some parents would be concerned about the changes.
"When you're dealing with schools with a large number of students and parents there would be people who won't be happy. At the end of the day, it's all about the child's safety that’s important," she said.
Ms Black said concerning stories about inappropriate use of mobile phones included explicit photographs of boyfriends or girlfriends being sent around schools, camera phones being used to secretly take photos under toilet doors and harassment of students using text messages.
Queensland Secondary Principals Association president Norm Hart said the new guidelines clarified existing powers principals had to confiscate inappropriate materials.
The strengthened powers come as principals receive training over this term for new processes which will allow them to expel students.
State Parliament is due to debate the issue soon.
