Province-Wide Cellphone Ban in Classrooms Announced by Saskatchewan

August 6, 2024 TruthUSA

Starting this fall, cellphones will no longer be allowed in any Saskatchewan classrooms, according to the province’s recent announcement. The new policy will affect students from kindergarten through Grade 12.

“While technology has its benefits, too often cellphones are diverting students’ attention from their learning,” said Education Minister Jeremy Cockrill in an Aug. 6 press release.

According to the government, this new policy aims to enhance student engagement with teachers and help them focus on acquiring the necessary skills and knowledge to excel.

Exceptions can be made for students in grades 9 to 12 who require cellphones for educational purposes or specific learning needs, and for medical reasons.

Similar Policies in Other Provinces

Ontario was the first province to implement a cellphone ban in schools in 2022, with strict guidelines on when cellphones can be used. The province introduced even stricter measures in April 2024.

Starting this fall, students up to Grade 6 must keep their cellphones silent and out of sight unless authorized for use. Students in Grades 7 to 12 can only use their phones with permission from a teacher.

Failure to adhere to the policy will result in students being asked to surrender their phones, according to an April 28 memo from the Ontario government. Non-compliance may lead to a visit to the principal’s office and potential suspension.

These new measures aim to ensure consistency and compliance throughout the province, said Leece.

Quebec implemented a cellphone ban in December 2023, effective January of the following year, covering both elementary and secondary schools. Teachers can permit cellphone use for educational purposes as part of the provincial policy.

Alberta is also taking steps to limit cellphone use. Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides announced plans in June for restricting phones in classrooms from this fall onward. He emphasized that while cellphones can aid learning, they can also be a source of distraction and cyberbullying.

Nicolaides added that during class time, devices must be turned off and kept out of sight, with exceptions granted for health-related needs like monitoring blood sugar levels. Additionally, school internet networks will restrict access to social media platforms.

Prior to this change, Alberta allowed school boards to set their own cellphone regulations.

In January, British Columbia announced plans to restrict cellphone use in schools starting in the 2024-2025 academic year. Premier David Eby stated that the province will collaborate with school districts to establish policies preventing students from using cellphones in classrooms effective this fall.

The Canadian Press and Isaac Teo contributed to this article.

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