Ont. government bans cellphones in the classroom
The Ontario government has announced new rules aimed at cracking down on cellphones and social media use in schools, but not everyone is happy with the plan.
The new measures will go into effect for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Kids in kindergarten to Grade 6 will be required to keep phones on silent and out of sight for the entire school day.
Students in grades seven and up will see cellphone use banned during class time.
Educators can make exceptions, but if students use their phone without permission, the device may be confiscated.
Education Minister Stephen Lecce says the changes are aimed at reducing distractions in the classroom.
“When it comes to cellphones, our policy is ‘out of sight and out of mind,’ as we get students back to the basics by restoring focus, safety and common sense back in Ontario schools,” Lecce said in a news release.
Reaction in Waterloo Region
The announcement got mixed reviews from students in Waterloo Region.
“I don’t think it’s really necessary to be honest,” said Tyler Quach, a Grade 10 student at St. Benedict Catholic Secondary School in Cambridge.
“If they take it away for the whole day it kind of sucks,” Grade 12 student Lucas Parent said.
Another Grade 10 student, Christophe Kouyoumdjin, could see the positives.
“Kids are going to be more focused doing their work, they’re going to pay more attention,” Kouyoumdjin said.
As part of the policy, social media websites will be removed from all school networks and devices, the government explained.
Teachers will also be asked to include comments on students’ distraction levels in class within report cards.
In an email, the Waterloo Catholic District School Board said it was still determining how to apply the new policies.
“Implementing such changes across our schools will require careful planning and consideration to ensure compliance with the ministry’s direction,” the board said.
The Waterloo Region District School Board did not reply to request for comment.
What do teachers think?
The plan has drawn criticism from teachers’ unions, who say policing the ban will put even more pressure on educators who are already stretched thin.
“None of this is going to address the needs in Ontario schools right now,” said Karen Littlewood, president of the Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation. “This is just an announcement of more policing, instead of an announcement of greater supports.”
Both the elementary and secondary school teachers’ unions say there were not approached by the province for any input on the ban. They say the move fails to address deeper issues students face in schools.
“We’ve got [teacher] recruitment and retention issues,” said David Mastin, vice-president of the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario. “Members don’t want to come into this profession, it’s just not worth it for them in a variety of areas. I think this will just add to that problem.”
The unions say it’s still unclear how the ban will be enforced.
-- With reporting from CTV's Tyler Kelaher and files from The Canadian Press
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Amber Alert issued for 2 toddlers near Quebec City
Police have issued an Amber Alert for two children who have gone missing from near Quebec City.
Netanyahu acknowledges 'tragic mistake' after Rafah strike kills dozens of Palestinians
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged Monday that a "tragic mistake" had been made after an Israeli strike in the southern Gaza city of Rafah set fire to a tent camp housing displaced Palestinians and, according to local officials, killed at least 45 people.
Mike Tyson had medical issue on cross-country flight
Boxing legend Mike Tyson required medical attention after experiencing an 'ulcer flare up' toward the end of a cross-country flight Sunday, his representatives confirmed to the New York Post.
Why Canada's big grocery stores are under investigation
Amid mounting outrage over high grocery prices, a retail expert says there's a solution to fostering more competition in the country.
Arrests made in 'highly orchestrated' GTA auto theft operation: police
Peel Regional Police say they have arrested 16 suspects and issued arrest warrant for another 10 individuals in connection with an auto theft investigation carried out by a 'highly orchestrated criminal operation.'
Indigo Books & Music shareholders vote to approve privatization sale
Indigo Books & Music Inc. shareholders have voted to approve a deal that will see the retailer become a private company.
Quebec police investigating after entire herd of 75 cattle allegedly stolen
Quebec provincial police are investigating after an entire herd of about 75 cattle were allegedly stolen in the Eastern Townships region last week.
B.C. senior prepares to move due to devastating effects of fraud
A Courtenay, B.C., senior is downsizing and packing to move as she comes to accept she can no longer afford to stay in her home, after falling victim to a scam that robbed her of her life savings worth more than $100,000.
Canada pledges visas for 5,000 Gaza residents related to Canadians
Canada said on Monday it would grant temporary visas to 5,000 Gaza residents under a special program for Canadians' relatives living in the war-torn enclave, a preparatory move in case they are able to leave in the future.