The Saskatchewan Government announced on Tuesday that cell phones will not be permitted inside of K-12 classrooms for the 2024-25 school year.
“Technology has its place, but too often, cell phones are taking students’ attention away from what they should be learning,” Education Minister Jeremy Cockrill said in a release. “This new policy will allow students to be more engaged with their teachers and focused on learning the skills and knowledge they need to reach their potential.”
In Grades 9 to 12, teachers can seek an exemption from administration to allow cell phone use by students during class when needed for a specific instructional purpose.
School division procedures will include exemptions for students that require ongoing use of mobile devices as accommodations for medical or specific learning needs.
Each school division has procedures and the responsibility to communicate with students and parents in any case of emergency.
Saskatchewan joins several other provinces who have made efforts to limit or restrict the use of internet-controlled devices ahead of the upcoming school year.