Since Quebec implemented a ban on cellphones in primary and secondary schools four months ago, school administrators are witnessing positive transformations in students’ social interactions, physical activities, and academic achievements.
The atmosphere at École Monseigneur-A.-M.-Parent in Longueuil has become livelier during lunch breaks. Instead of being glued to their screens, students are engaging in card games, ping-pong matches, and board games. Grade 11 student Constance Boie shared how the ban has encouraged more face-to-face interactions among classmates, fostering a sense of community and friendship. Shelby Miclette, previously self-described as introverted, expressed how the ban prompted her to step out of her comfort zone and connect with others, leading to newfound friendships.
Principal Mélanie Lacourse highlighted the immediate positive impact of the cellphone ban, noting a shift towards authentic relationships and reduced isolation among students. By engaging in activities like foosball, ping-pong, and spending quality time with peers, students are enhancing their focus, attention, and overall learning experience. Miclette also mentioned a boost in concentration levels without the distraction of pre-class phone notifications.
Expanding the ban to include Grades 8 to 11 this fall at Séminaire Saint-François near Quebec City, Principal Jean-François Boisvert observed a seamless transition with older students embracing more interactive and social behaviors in school premises. Clinical psychologist and researcher Linda S. Pagani explained how excessive phone use can hinder learning and personality development in adolescents, emphasizing the critical phase of identity formation during adolescence.
The ban has also led to a cultural shift in school environments, promoting active play and interpersonal communication over screen time. Boisvert emphasized the importance of managing school life with students engaged in physical activities like hide-and-seek and running in the halls rather than being fixated on phones.
Looking ahead, experts are questioning the effectiveness of tablets in education, with plans to replace them with laptops for better alignment with students’ academic and professional needs at Séminaire Saint-François. The ban on cellphones inside classrooms, initiated in January 2024, aims to optimize learning environments and support youth health and development, as recommended by the Special Commission on the Impacts of Screens and Social Media on Youth Health and Development.
