Ontario Ministry Releases Cellphone Restriction Guidelines

Ontario Ministry Releases Cellphone Restriction Guidelines
Posted on 08/29/2019
Ontario Ministry Releases Cellphone Restriction Guidelines

New guidance regarding the restriction of cellphones in schools during instructional time has been released from the Ontario Ministry of Education.

According to a memo from the Ministry, effective November 4, 2019:

The provincial Code of Conduct has been revised to include a restriction on the use of personal mobile devices during instructional time.

The use of personal mobile devices during instructional time is permitted under the following circumstances:

  • for educational purposes, as directed by an educator
  • for health and medical purposes
  • to support special education needs

The OCDSB has current policies and procedures in place that includes the criteria shared by the Ministry of Education for cellphone use in classrooms. We will review current policies to ensure they align with this directive.

The OCDSB recognizes the benefits that technology can bring to support student learning through the use of applications that foster critical thinking, engaging students with opportunities outside the school to enhance and extend learning, facilitating staff development through on-line modules, communication with stakeholders, and other administrative and operational activities.

We encourage the responsible use of technology as a critical part of on-going learning related to digital citizenship.

A helpful resource for parents in supporting their child with the use of cellphones and technology is Media Smarts.

The Ontario Ministry of Education has created a Q&A for parents and guardians.

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