Ontario just announced a cell phone and social media ban for the province's schools to eliminate “distractions from classrooms” as part of a “back-to-basics plan.”
The news is likely to be welcomed by teachers and school administrators, but is unpopular with students who have long valued the freedom to text and call friends and family during the school day, or use the device for free for gaming, Internet access or others Purposes to use time.
The provincial government calls the ban “Canada’s most comprehensive plan to reduce distractions in classrooms and improve children’s health.”
The new rules follow similar announcements in Florida, which banned cellphones during “class time” in schools last year and recently announced social media restrictions for those under 16.
Here's how the cell phone and social media ban will work in Ontario schools:
- Students in kindergarten through 6th grade must keep their phones on silent and out of sight throughout the school day unless specifically permitted by an educator.
- Students in grades 7 to 12 are not permitted to use cell phones during class time unless specifically instructed to do so by the teacher.
- Social media sites are removed from all school networks and devices, and report cards comment on how distracted students are in class.
- The government will provide mandatory training for teachers and new support measures for students and parents to familiarize themselves with the new rules.
In addition to the new cell phone ban, the Ontario government also announced new rules regarding the use of cigarettes and e-cigarettes in schools. These include:
- Students must hand over these products if they use them.
- Parents will be informed immediately about the situation.
- The government will install vape detectors and other safety measures in schools to help enforce the new rules.
These new rules are scheduled to come into force at the start of the new school year in September 2024.