There are new rules to reduce electronic distractions in classrooms across the province.
All schools including those in the Avon Maitland District School Board (AMDSB), will have the uniform policy of cellphones being on silent and removed from sight at the beginning of the school day.
Students from Kindergarten to Grade 6 will be required to keep phones away for the entirety of the school day while older students in Grades 7 to 12 will not be permitted use during class time unless otherwise directed by the educator.
Kim Crawford, System Principal for Student Support Services for AMDSB, explained the distraction that cell phones have posed for local students.
“We’ve heard from teachers, and I think the government had heard from teachers that there’s a lot of distraction in some situations with students having regular and ready access to their cellphones.”
Additionally, social media websites will be removed from all school networks and devices.
Report cards will also include comments on students’ distraction levels in class.
The AMDSB has also implemented restrictions on vaping as part of a province-wide initiative.
New rules restrict vapes, tobacco and nicotine products in student possession. They are taken away and parents and guardians will be notified.
Crawford said vaping is a problem in general for young people and that carries on into the school setting.
The harms of vaping among adolescents can be dangerous ranging from nicotine addiction to respiratory issues and long-term health consequences.
Crawford said vapes are easy to conceal because they are small. Provincial funding will allow for education for students struggling with addictive behaviours.
For more information, visit the Ontario government website.
