Funding for Teachers to Purchase Work-related Mobile Phones for Parent-teacher Communications

Mr David Hoe asked the Minister for Education in view of teachers not needing to give personal mobile numbers to parents (a) whether funding is available for teachers to purchase work-related mobile phones or separate mobile lines for parent-teacher communications; and (b) if so, what is the take-up rate of such funding across schools over the past three years.

Schools have official channels that adequately support parent-teacher communication. These include Parents Gateway, which is a mobile app for communications between schools and parents, school email and designated school phone lines during office hours. Teachers are not expected to communicate with parents outside of school hours.

In situations where teachers need to contact parents urgently during school activities conducted outside school premises, schools put in place practical arrangements, including providing school-owned mobile phones, especially for overseas trips, or facilitating communication through the school general office. In the event of an emergency where other channels are not immediately available, teachers may use their personal mobile phones. Hence, there is no need for teachers to purchase work-related mobile phones or mobile phone lines for parent-teacher communication.