Manitoba students are now back in the classroom — but their cell phones aren’t, in most cases.
The provincial government is banning cell phone use during school hours, including lunch and breaks, for students in kindergarten to Gr. 8. For students in Gr. 9 to 12, cell phone use is banned during class time but permitted during breaks.
Exceptions are available for students with medical and diverse learning needs, as well as for teacher-directed educational purposes in Gr. 9 to 12.
Interlake School Division Supt. Margaret Ward outlined the new procedures for responsible use of information and communication technologies for students.
“ISD students have the right to learn in environments with limited distractions and where the potentially harmful impacts of cell phones and other personal devices are minimized,” she said.
“In alignment with provincial guidelines and our responsibility for fostering safe, caring, respectful and inclusive schools, ISD will be implementing consistent expectations for student use of cell phones and other personal devices across all schools.”
For kindergarten to Gr. 8 students across the division, they won’t be allowed to use cell phones or other personal devices during school hours, including breaks and lunches.
Interlake School Division students in Gr. 9 to 12 won’t be allowed to use cell phones or other personal devices during class time; however, they will be allowed to use them during breaks and lunch.
For all grade levels, students with specific educational or medical needs outlined in a student-specific plan will be granted access by the school principal as needed.
These changes came into effect on the first day of the new school year.
“We look forward to the positive impact this new procedure will have on the learning environment for both students and staff,” Ward said.
More information about guidelines for student cell phone use is posted on the Interlake School Division website at www.interlakesd.ca.
