‘OFF AND AWAY’ NEW CELL PHONE SCHOOL RULE NEXT WEEK FOR ALL TLDSB STUDENTS
Mark Clairmont | MuskokaTODAY.com
MUSKOKA — New clothes and new supplies aren’t the only things parents and student are getting ready for next week when classes return early the morning after Labour Day.
A new provincial government policy kicks in regarding use of cell phones for all grades.
Starting September 3, Trillium Lakelands District School Board (TLDSB) says students will be turning their devices off or setting them to silent, and putting them away to limit distractions and promote healthy relationships and meaningful engagement in the classroom.
Unless directed to by their teacher to allow their use.
This will be a new approach for many, but a practice some students are already accustomed to, the school board says in a release today Aug. 29.
The “off and away” rule applies to the entire school community and includes cell phones, tablets, and smartwatches. There are exceptions, which include when devices are required for health and medical purposes as documented in medical plans of care, to support special education needs in individual education plans, or if directed by an educator.
If you’re not sure, check with your student and learn from them what their teacher will tell them on their first day back, Sept. 3.
See this short school board video sent to all families about the new policy.
“The research tells us that excessive personal mobile device use limits attention, learning, relationships, and belonging in schools,” said associate superintendent of learning responsible for Mental Health Services and Safe Schools, Tanya Fraser. “Restrictions on personal mobile devices will help students to fully participate and embrace the opportunities in their classroom. We believe that upholding ‘off and away’ is necessary for a healthy and engaged school year.”
In April, the Ministry of Education released a revised edition of Policy/Program Memorandum 128: The Provincial Code of Conduct and School Board Codes of Conduct, with an implementation date of September 2024. The Board has aligned the TLDSB Code of Conduct and shared the updates, along with the 2024-2025 TLDSB Handbook for Parents/Guardians and Students, to ensure all students and their families were aware of the changes before the first day of school (September 3).
TLDSB believes strongly that the updates to the Code of Conduct will have a positive impact on student learning and mental health. When devices are off and away, the school day will consist of more meaningful interactions with peers and staff.
More information, see the information video below, or view the frequently asked questions section within the Personal Mobile Devices tab in the 2024-2025 TLDSB Handbook for Parents/Guardians and Students.
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