What you need to know about the cell phone ban in Brampton schools
Published November 4, 2019 at 4:05 pm
Earlier this year, the Doug Ford government announced a host of changes to public education in Ontario, including a controversial “cell phone ban” in classrooms.
Earlier this year, the Doug Ford government announced a host of changes to public education in Ontario, including a controversial “cell phone ban” in classrooms.
The ban, which has been implemented by the Ministry of Education, is officially in force today.
While the new initiative restricts cell phone use in classrooms, the Peel District School Board (PDSB)–the board that oversees schools in Mississauga, Brampton and Caledon–says there are a few things parents and students should know about the change.
The PDSB says that while the province has introduced restrictions on the use of personal mobile devices, such as cellphones, in the classroom, such devices are not totally banned.
Videos
The board says the ministry’s direction does allow personal devices to be used for instructional purposes, as directed by an educator. Exceptions are also made if cellphones are required for health or medical purposes or to support special education needs.
“This direction aligns with the Peel District School Board’s current practice and, as such, there is no change to the use of technology in Peel schools,” the board said in a statement.
“In honouring the spirit of Empowering Modern Learners, we would encourage staff, students and families to understand the value of technology in today’s world and the role it plays in the sharing of information. In many instances, phones are used to organize calendars, set reminders, discuss assignments, etc.; they are a part of our world in 2019.”
The use of technology is outlined in the Peel board’s Digital Citizenship Policy and in its K-12 Code of Conduct:
Anyone with questions or concerns about the policy is asked to contact a school administrator.
insauga's Editorial Standards and Policies advertising