As students in British Columbia get ready to return to school, many parents are curious about the cellphone policy in classrooms.
The province has confirmed that, for the second consecutive year, a strict no-phone policy will be enforced. However, there are doubts about its effectiveness.
The Ministry of Education and Child Care has informed 1130 NewsRadio that all 60 school districts in the province must have a code of conduct in place that limits students’ use of personal digital devices, such as phones and tablets, during class time.
While the overarching policy is consistent, specific rules can vary between schools and even among teachers. Each district has the autonomy to enforce the policy in a manner that best suits their educational approach and the needs of their students.
Exceptions are made for students with accessibility or health issues, allowing them to use their devices as needed.
The codes of conduct cover various aspects related to reducing cellphone use to enhance students’ focus during lessons.
According to the government, feedback from educators and parents has been positive, indicating that limiting device use results in improved attention and learning outcomes.
The initial implementation of the cellphone restriction policy aimed to minimize distractions and protect children from online risks in the classroom.
Premier David Eby emphasized the importance of creating an environment where children can learn and socialize without constant digital interruptions.
The ministry stresses that school boards must assess the effectiveness of their codes of conduct annually.
Keyphrase: Cellphone policy in schools