Hold the Phone: What Parents and Students Should Know About Cell Phone Bans This School Year

Several provinces across Canada will implement cell phone bans this September, but not all policies will be the same.
Exceptions will be made for health or medical reasons or if a student with a specific learning challenge needs support.
Devices can also be used for learning purposes if the principal approves, the government said.
As in other provinces, exceptions will be made for medical or accessibility reasons. High school students may also be able to use devices for learning purposes when directed by teachers.
Students who need their devices for medical reasons will still be allowed to have them.
Students or parents must sign a form committing to respect the regulations and policies around the use of devices at school.
Device restrictions apply to students’ phones even if they are using a personal data plan rather than the school Wi-Fi, the government said.
The government said schools must develop policies on the use of devices, which can include the taking of students’ devices if rules are not being followed.
Junior high and high school teachers can make exceptions for students to use phones in the classroom if it is for instructional purposes, according to the regulations. However, students in elementary schools must have their phones stored for the entire day.
Schools with older students can allow devices to be used during breaks and lunch, the government said.
Exceptions can be made for students who require devices for medical or learning needs.
For students in Grades 7 to 12, devices can be used during breaks and lunchtime but not during class time.
Exceptions will be given if a teacher permits devices as part of classroom learning or if a student needs the device for health or medical reasons or as a support for education purposes.
Students who do not comply with the policy will be asked to surrender their phones, for the duration of the class for Grades 7-12 and for the remainder of the day for younger grades. Students who refuse are to be sent to the principal’s office and could face suspension.
High school students can be given an exemption if the device is needed for instructional purposes. Exceptions will also be made for students who need the device for health reasons or to support learning needs.