Personal Digital Device (Cell Phone) Restrictions in Schools
Last updated on June 12, 2024Date came into force or revised
In effect April 12, 2024
Status
Current
Policy statement
Boards must ensure their codes of conduct include one or more statements about restricting the use of personal digital devices at school.
Rationale or purpose of policy
The Provincial Standards for Codes of Conduct Order has been amended to require Boards of Education to ensure their codes of conduct include statements about restricting the use of personal digital devices to:
- Reduce distractions in classrooms and support focused learning environments
- Foster online safety, and
- Promote provincial consistency.
Authority
See School Act (PDF) – c. 412, s. 168 (2) (s.1)
See Provincial Standards for Codes of Conduct Order (PDF) (M276/07)
See Provincial Standards for Codes of Conduct Order Amendment (PDF) (M89/24, Effective July 1, 2024
See School Regulation (PDF) (M265/89) - Interpretation
Policy in full
Boards must ensure their codes of conduct include one or more statements about restricting the use of personal digital devices (any personal electronic device that can be used to communicate or to access the internet, such as a cell phone or a tablet) at school.
The statements about restricting the use of personal digital devices at school must address the following matters:
- restrictions on the use of personal digital devices at school, including during hours of instruction;
- use of personal digital devices for instructional purposes and digital literacy;
- use of personal digital devices that is appropriate to a student’s age and developmental stage;
- accessibility and accommodation needs;
- medical and health needs;
- equity to support learning outcomes.
Procedures related to policy
For further information related to the implementation of the amended Provincial Standards for Codes of Conduct Order, please refer to the Personal Digital Device Restrictions Support Guide (PDF).