Ontario warns of ‘discipline measures’ if students don’t follow classroom cellphone ban
“To keep kids focused on learning in classrooms, not on cell notifications, we’re banning cellphones in classrooms,” Dunlop said. “We’re removing distractions to ensure that there’s student success, that students can focus on what is being taught in the classroom.”
Ontario’s education minister is reminding residents about the upcoming cellphone ban in classrooms across the province, warning of potential disciplinary actions, including being sent to the principal's office, just ahead of the new school year.
Jill Dunlop made the comments on Thursday at a school in Caledon, Ontario, referring to the provincewide ban announced in the spring, which will take effect for the 2024-2025 school year.
“This represents a cultural shift in the classroom,” Dunlop said.
“To keep kids focused on learning and not on cellphone notifications, we’re implementing a ban on cellphones in classrooms,” she stated. “We’re eliminating distractions to ensure students can concentrate on what is being taught.”
The new policy will require phones to be on silent and out of sight during school hours, with every public school in Ontario following the same guidelines.
For students from kindergarten to Grade 6, the rules will apply throughout the entire school day. Those in grades 7 and above will be allowed to use their devices between classes and during lunch but must adhere to the ban during instructional time.
Exceptions can be made for students who request permission to make a call, such as contacting a parent, but the standard rule will be to keep phones away. Teachers and classroom assistants will also be expected to refrain from using their phones unless it is for work-related purposes.
Regarding enforcement, Dunlop mentioned that disciplinary measures are in place.
“If students don’t comply with the rules, they will be asked to place their cellphone in a safe space in the classroom,” Dunlop said.
“If they continue to disobey, they will be sent to the principal’s office. We have disciplinary procedures in place, and we will support principals in enforcing them.”
Dunlop also reiterated the ban on vapes in schools, instructing teachers to confiscate vape products from students caught using them and to immediately notify their parents.
