A provincial ban on cellphone use in all K-12 schools during class time has improved student focus and social interaction in Estevan-area schools, but cyberbullying remains a concern, say two local principals.
As schools marked Pink Shirt Day, an event promoting kindness and anti-bullying efforts, local educators reflected on the impact of the policy, which took effect at the start of the 2024-25 school year.
At Spruce Ridge School, Principal Cheri Haberstock said the ban has had a positive impact.
“Instead of being on their devices, students are talking to one another, playing together, and working out conflicts face-to-face rather than behind each other’s backs,” she said. “It’s been really beneficial.”
She added that having a provincewide policy gave the initiative strong backing.
While the restrictions have reduced distractions, Pleasantdale School Principal Devin Aspinall said they have done little to curb cyberbullying, which typically occurs outside school hours.
“Cyberbullying has become more prevalent because it’s easier and more anonymous,” he said. “Kids can be in their bedroom at night, type something mean, hit send, and that’s as easy as it has to be.”
Pleasantdale, which serves kindergarten to Grade 8 students, has seen online conflicts spill into the school environment, sometimes escalating to the point where law enforcement gets involved.
Haberstock echoed these concerns.
"It still comes back into the school the next day. After this bullying occurs, it's not a school issue, but it becomes a school issue because it comes back into the school. And so we deal with that the best we can."
“This is something we are working on, something that is a problem, and something that we continually educate our kids on,” Aspinall said.
Before the ban, Pleasantdale already had strict cellphone rules, but now devices are completely restricted during the school day.
“I would say that’s had a positive impact for sure on learning,” he said.
However, tackling cyberbullying requires a broader effort from families and the community, he added.
“The world doesn’t change a lot as we get older—we don’t all just magically learn how to treat people with fairness and respect,” Aspinall said. “It starts with schools, it starts with families, and it filters out from there. Our community will be a better place if we all just work together.”