September 3rd, 2024
As educators, we have a responsibility to cultivate an environment that is conducive to learning and focused on the well-being of our students. Ideally, students experience a sense of community as they learn, which grows out of full engagement with their teacher and curriculum during instructional time. You may be aware of the recent Ontario Ministry of Education mandated direction around mobile devices in schools. This enhanced policy is supported by research and the clear direction given by the Ministry of Education in their PPM128 effective September 1st, 2024. These changes, driven by caregiver and educator feedback as well as mental health experts, acknowledge that mobile devices have positive uses, but in classrooms, they can lead to distracted, disengaged students. It has become clear that limiting the use of mobile devices (e.g., cell phones, smart watches etc.) during class time will benefit our students in several ways.
In schools where limited access to cell phones has been implemented, the following outcomes have been reported:
- Improved mental health
- Improved connection with others
- Increased attentiveness
- Increased application of learning
- Increased engagement in learning
- Improved time-management skill
It is in light of these benefits, we invite caregivers to consider making arrangements for cell phones to remain at home. We recognize that this would be a significant departure from many students’ lifestyle, so, for our part, we will be implementing an updated policy around cell phone use in school that requires students who do bring cellphones to school to silence and store their cell phones out of view during class time (e.g., set to airplane mode, in a backpack or locker, not on their person). Students are permitted to use their cell phones in-between classes and during their scheduled lunch. During instructional time, students are not allowed to use their cell phones in hallways, washrooms and/or changerooms.
Please note that senior students with scheduled spares can use their cell phones in designated areas of the school (library and the cafeteria, not hallways). Should your student need to contact you during instructional time, they are encouraged to come to the office. While we understand the importance of technology in our students’ lives, we firmly believe that safeguarding their academic success and emotional well-being remain paramount.
We will introduce and educate students about this policy update from September 4th-6th so students can be reminded, ask questions and begin to learn to disconnect during class time. On Monday, September 9th students will be expected to fully understand and follow these expectations.
Starting Monday, September 9th, students who use their cell phone during instructional time will be directed to put their cell phone in a secure place designated by the teacher for the rest of the period.
Students who refuse to surrender their cell phone to the secure place will be referred to their VP. At the Administrator’s discretion, a call will be made to their caregiver(s) so the policy expectations can be clarified and supports can be introduced, if needed, to help the student positively adapt to the policy. In these cases, students will be asked to surrender their phone to a secure space in the main office or the caregiver can choose to come to the school and pick it up. Students will return to class once their cell phone has been safely stored or picked up.
Chronic Noncompliance: Students who continue to use their cell phones during instructional time will experience progressive discipline measures, which may lead to suspensions, as determined by the school’s Admin team and outlined in the WRDSB administrative policies.
We extend our sincere gratitude for your support and cooperation as we enact this positive policy to foster a healthier and less distracted learning environment for all of our students.