To minimize distractions in schools, the Manitoba government is banning the use of cell phones in all classrooms starting this September.
“Prairie Rose School Division is committed to providing a holistic educational experience and developing lifelong learners for a successful, well-balanced life,” said Prairie Rose School Division superintendent Kevin Clace. “Our vision is for every learner to be provided the opportunity to reach their full potential in a safe and inclusive educational environment, where they are invited, valued, supported, and celebrated.”
Schools and school divisions will implement updated policies as students head back to school in September to ensure consistency across the province, which include:
– Banning cellphone use during school hours, including lunch and breaks, for kindergarten to Grade 8 students.
– 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 and cellphone use for educational purposes in grades 9 to 12 when directed by classroom teachers.
The Prairie Rose School Division has proactively addressed the appropriate use of cell phones in its classrooms to support safe, inclusive, and distraction-free learning environments.
“Our current administrative procedures and student code of conduct already align closely with Provincial expectations,” said Clace.
Under the Public Schools Act, school divisions are now required to establish the use of technology policies tailored to local needs.
“Last week’s announcement from the Minister provides clear direction, which strengthens and affirms our expectations regarding cell phones in schools. Over the next several weeks, we will work with our school’s teams to fine-tune and update our current procedures and Student Code of Conduct to reflect the new provincial requirements, which will be shared with our school communities. Once completed, these changes will be shared with our school communities.”
