Manitoba is banning the use of cellphones by students in the classroom, beginning next month.
Education and Early Childhood Learning Minister Nello Altomare says this is being done to minimize distractions in schools.
A press release issued by our provincial government says that to ensure consistency across the province, schools and school divisions will implement updated policies. However, the ban includes the following:
- banning cellphone use during school hours, including lunch and breaks, for students in kindergarten to Grade 8;
- banning cellphone use for students in grades 9 to 12 during class time, with cellphone use permitted during breaks and lunch; and
- clear direction for cellphone use in classrooms for school staff.
Guidelines will include exceptions to support students with medical and diverse learning needs, as well as cellphone use for educational purposes in grades 9 to 12 when directed by classroom teachers.
"We want young people to be able to focus in class so they can learn more and feel confident. We know cellphones can be a real distraction for students - studies show it can take up to 20 minutes for a child to refocus on what they were learning once distracted," says Altomare. "These provincial guidelines will give teachers the tools they need to keep students focused and ensure class time is spent on learning. Plus, we will take safety and medical concerns into account, so all risks are minimized."
Altomare says that under the Public Schools Act, school divisions are required to establish use of technology policies tailored to local needs.
The Hanover School Division had already banned personal cell phone use for Middle School students.