Beginning next week as students throughout BC head back to school, new cellphone restrictions will come into effect.
This policy by the BC government passed in April and is intended to keep kids safe and healthy, dictating what students can and can’t use their devices for in the classroom.
“Every child in British Columbia should feel safe, supported and engaged when they head back to school next week,” said Premier David Eby.
“Our government is ensuring students can reach their full potential by restricting cellphones in classrooms, keeping harassing protestors away from school grounds, and making sure kids are fed and ready to learn.”
This legislation will come into effect in every school district in BC, but may vary based on age groups.
Specifically, all school boards must ensure their codes of conduct for students include one or more statements about restricting the use of personal digital devices 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
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“We want to ensure that when kids are in the classroom, they can learn without distractions that take away from their ability to thrive in school,” said Rachna Singh, Minister of Education and Child Care.
“This work will help to minimize some of those distractions so we can set students up for success, and we can then focus on empowering students to develop safe, informed, healthy habits when using technology and social media.”
Additionally, the Province says they will be implementing mandatory digital literacy training for students and parents alike.
This is being done to provide the knowledge and tools they need to stay safe from online harms and foster positive, healthy relationships with technology.
