Copyright: (c) Dolgachov | Dreamstime.com

By Sheldon Spackman

RDPSD & RDCRS

Red Deer school divisions react to new restrictions for cellphones in classrooms

Jun 18, 2024 | 1:41 PM

A pair of local school divisions are looking further into the government’s announcement Monday that restrictions will be in place this fall regarding the use of cell phones and other mobile devices in Alberta classrooms.

Officials with both Red Deer Public Schools and Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools say exactly what policy changes might be required or what adjustments might need to be made, is yet to be determined.

Related: Phones banned from Alberta classrooms starting fall 2024

“Our focus at Red Deer Public Schools is excellence in teaching and learning in the classroom. We also strive to create safe, productive, engaging environments for all students. We recognize that minimizing distractions is crucial for achieving these goals and we support measures that contribute to enhancing students’ learning experiences,” reads a statement from Red Deer Public Schools.

“Over the next few months, our Division will develop new Administrative Procedures and Policies in order to comply with the Government of Alberta’s Ministerial Order on the use of personal mobile devices and social media in our schools, while also recognizing the importance of continuing to support diverse learning needs, and teach digital citizenship for all students,” the statement continues. “We look forward to working with our staff, students and families as we determine what this looks like for Red Deer Public Schools.”

Temps Around 0 degrees Celsius

Frost Advisory issued for Red Deer and surrounding area

35m ago

Conditions As Of Sept. 24, 2024

Alberta Crop Report: September 27

45m ago

Lacombe Police say youth hit by vehicle in serious but stable condition

57m ago

“Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools currently has a cell phone Administrative Procedure in place,” says Ryan Sawula, Associate Superintendent of Curriculum. “This current procedure provides schools with the flexibility to incorporate into their school code of conduct the appropriate use of digital media, computer technology, personally owned devices, and internet services. There is variation between schools, however, schools aim to minimize distractions and maintain a focused learning environment.”

“Under the current procedure, teachers have the discretion to set specific guidelines for cellphone use in their classrooms, often requiring devices to be stored away during instructional time,” continues Sawula.

“The province did seek feedback from various stakeholders, including school divisions, in the development of this new policy,” adds Sawula. “We participated in consultations to ensure that our perspective and the needs of our students and staff were considered.”

Sawula says their next steps include reviewing the new provincial policy in detail and aligning their existing guidelines with the provincial mandate.

“We will provide training and resources to our staff to ensure a smooth transition. Additionally, we will communicate the changes to students and parents to ensure everyone is aware of the new regulations.”

“While there may be some minimal costs associated with updating our policies and providing necessary training to staff, we do not anticipate significant additional expenses,” notes Sawula. “The primary focus will be on ensuring that all stakeholders understand and adhere to the new guidelines.”

According to the Alberta government, the new standards will be implemented by Sept. 1, 2024, to ensure personal mobile devices and social media do not disrupt learning.

To safeguard student mental health and reduce distractions, personal mobile devices will no longer be permitted during class time and access to social media sites will be restricted.

Government officials say the new standards on personal mobile devices will establish restrictions, enforcement procedures and exceptions for Alberta’s K-12 public, separate, francophone, public charter, independent school authorities, and early childhood services operators. Exceptions will be made province-wide for students using mobile devices for health and medical needs, to support specialized learning needs, and for educational purposes.

Alberta government quick facts

• Alberta school authorities currently have the autonomy to set their own policy on how students use cellphones in schools. Policies vary widely across the province.
• In recent years, Ontario, Quebec and British Columbia have all announced province-wide restrictions or bans on cellphone use in schools, with certain exceptions in place.
• Alberta Education engaged with students, parents and education partners.
• A survey for parents and school stakeholders received over 68,000 responses. Almost 90 per cent of respondents shared concern over student cellphone use at school.
• Diverse education stakeholders took part in two virtual engagement sessions.

—

Subscribe to our FREE newsletter, and download the rdnewsNOW mobile app on Google Play and the Apple App Store for all the latest updates on this and other stories.