Calgary/CMEDIA: Alberta students reportedly will have limits placed on their personal mobile devices starting next school year.
Alberta Education officers have said that personal mobile devices can harm student achievement and their mental health.
“The use of cellphones is of significant concern…Students will no longer be permitted to use personal mobile devices during class time…that access to social media sites in schools will be restricted,” Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides has said during a conference in Calgary on Monday.
Nicolaides added that cell phone usage would be limited only to medical or health reasons, special learning needs or if directed by a teacher or principal on a case-by-case basis.
Authorised by the board with autonomy and flexibility to implement additional restrictions when needed, these rules represent minimum standards, said Nicolaides.
The province will leave enforcement up to school boards, but parents must be notified if their children violate the new rules.
Recognizing that personal mobile devices can be an important research and learning tool, personal mobile devices will be permitted for educational or other purposes as determined by a principal or equivalent on a case-by-case basis.
The new rules are supported by the Calgary Catholic School District (CCSD).
“CCSD wants all our students to be successful…support the government’s direction regarding the restricted use of personal mobile devices and social media platforms in schools,” the statement reads and added that CCSD will review this new information and share further details with staff and families.
“The Calgary Board of Education supports the government’s intention of creating quality learning environments that support the health, wellbeing and academic achievement of students. We will be taking time to review today’s provincial policy announcement and what it will mean for CBE schools next year,” the Calgary Board of Education said in an emailed statement.
“We will share more information with staff and families in advance of the 2024-25 school year.”
Of approximately 68,000 responses collected during the survey, said Nicolaides, 90 percent of respondents were concerned over the proliferation of devices in classrooms.
Rules will be applicable to all public, separate, francophone, public charter and independent school authorities.
Starting next school year, students will have limits placed on their personal mobile devices, which officials say can harm student achievement and their mental health.
Nicolaides said he’s “confident” that the changes will reduce distractions, maximize the use of class time, support student health and cut down on cyber bullying.
Banned devices included are: Cellphones; Smart phones; Smart watches; Headphones; and other personal electronic devices.
