This page was created to inform you of a change to our cell phone policy for the coming school year.
Why are we revising our Cell Phone Policy?
In the past few years, we have seen a dramatic increase in the use of mobile devices by students throughout the day. We understand that technology plays an essential role in our lives, however, cell phone use has increasingly become a source of distraction and conflict.
Research shows that the mere presence of cellphones in the classroom can be detrimental to student performance. Furthermore, according to an article published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal in 2020, “in the last decade, increasing mental distress and treatment for mental health conditions among youth in North America has paralleled a steep rise in the use of smartphones and social media by children and adolescents.” (Abi-Jaoude Karline, Treurnicht Naylor and Antonio Pignatiello)
Unfortunately, when students are using their cell phones during the school day it is rarely for educational purposes. By implementing a new cell phone policy for the coming school year, we hope to increase the amount of time students are engaged with their classroom activities and limit the negative impact that cell phones can have on both our students and the culture of our school.
What is our new Cell Phone Policy?
1. Cell Phones are not permitted during Instructional Time (Bell to Bell)
- Cell phones should not be heard or seen during instructional time. This includes classrooms, hallways, the gym, the cafeteria, bathrooms etc.
- Cell phones should be kept in a student’s locker or backpack for safe keeping and to limit potential distraction.
- Teachers may require students to check their phones into a “cell phone locker” at the beginning of class.
- Students will be allowed to use their phones at lunch, however, some areas (ie. gym) may be designated a “cell phone free zone” by the supervising staff.
2. Progressive Discipline and Interventions:
If a student is using their phone during instructional time, they will be asked to turn over their cell phone for safe keeping.
- First Time – Cell phone held in office or classroom until end of block.
- Second Time – Cell phone held in office until end of day. Parent contacted.
- Third Time – Cell phone held in office until end of day. Parent meeting to discuss a plan.
Repeat offenders may be asked to leave their phone at home or check it in at the office at the beginning of each day.
3. Emergency Contact:
We understand the importance of being reachable in case of emergencies. If you need to contact your child urgently, please reach out to the school’s front desk at (250) 832-2136 and we will make sure your message is relayed promptly.
Thank you in advance for your support of our new cell phone policy and for taking the time to talk to your child about how this policy is intended to create a more focussed, respectful, and engaging learning environment.
LINK: https://youtu.be/MkdcnkGBQSw (Mayim Bialik – “Your Brain on Cell Phones”)