Understanding Ontario's New Restrictions for Cell Phones in Schools
Information for staff, students, and caregivers
New Ministry of Education policy requires all school boards and schools to develop practices to support restrictions on students' use of personal mobile devices (any device that can communicate or access the internet including cell phones) at school. These changes come into effect on September 1, 2024.
Personal cell phones or devices must not be used by staff or students during instructional time except under very specific circumstances. These include:
- Educational purposes as directed by an educator
- For health and medical purposes
- For support of special education needs
What does this mean for my child?
If your child is in Grades K to 6:
- Students' personal devices must be stored out of view and either powered off or in silent mode throughout the full instructional day including breaks.
- Your school principal and staff will determine how and where devices are stored (lockers, backpacks, desks) which includes a secure storage option.
If your child is in Grades 7 to 12:
- Students' personal devices are stored out of view and powered off during instructional (class) time.
- Your school principal and staff will determine how and where devices are stored during instructional time.
Students are responsible for their personal mobile device, how they are used, and the consequences of not following this practice. SGDSB schools and staff are not responsible nor liable for any damage or loss that may occur to devices that are placed in storage because of violation of policy.
What happens if my child breaks the rules?
If your child is in Grades K to 6:
- If an educator sees a personal mobile device that is not stored out of view, the device must be handed in for the remainder of the instructional day, placed, by the student, in a storage area in a location designated by the school principal.
If your child is in Grades 7 to 12:
- If an educator sees a personal device that is not stored out of view or a student is using their personal device during class time, the student must hand in their device for the remainder of the instructional period, in a storage location designated by the educator.
Schools will develop and communicate plans for addressing ongoing violations and consequences. This will also be communicated on student report cards.
If a student refuses to hand in their personal device, they must report to the school principal or vice-principal. School principals have discretion under Safe Schools legislation to consider a range of responses to address non-compliance, up to and including suspension.
What if I need to contact my child?
We understand that sometimes parents and guardians need to reach students during the school day. Elementary schools will continue to receive messages from caregivers and pass them along to students in Grades K to 6 at an appropriate time during the school day and to support caregivers to connect with students throughout the school day when required. Students in Grades 7 & 8 and secondary students can send and receive messages during non-instructional times.
Why the change?
The Ministry of Education is working with all school boards in Ontario to address concerns around cell phone use for young people. Superior-Greenstone District School Board is taking a proactive and supportive approach to enacting these requirements. We understand this is new and will be challenging. We are committed to working with students, staff, and families to ensure that education and support are at the centre of our approach to enforcing this policy. For additional information or should you have questions or concerns, please contact your child's principal or vice-principal.
