Students will not be allowed to reach for their personal devices during class this semester as new provincial restrictions are set to kick in.--PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BRENDAN MILLER
news@medicinehatnews.com
The Medicine Hat Catholic Board of Education has released its administrative parameters for use of cellphones and electronic devices in schools beginning this year as provincial restrictions are set to kick in.
The provincial government announced in June a limit on cellphone use in classrooms effective this fall that will prevent students between kindergarten and Grade 12 from using their personal devices during class time, with an exception for those using their device for medical needs.
The province has asked each school authority to develop and implement locally developed policies and procedures for cellphone use in their schools.
In a statement, Medicine Hat Catholic’s board of trustees says cellphones can offer potential opportunities for communication and access to information, however agrees to its lack of usage inside the classroom setting.
“Restricted use of personal digital devices in schools is required, particularly as it relates to student use of cellphones to ensure the promotion of a caring and respectful learning environment.”
According to the Catholic division guidelines, schools have the right and authority to temporarily confiscate personal digital device usage while students are on school property or in attendance at a school sponsored activity.
Under the guidelines teachers and staff can confiscate, restrict or prohibit cellphone use from students during instructional time in the classroom, as well as non-instructional times during the school day where students are not scheduled to be with a teacher. This includes before and after school, breaks and lunch.
Students will be asked to keep their devices on silent or powered off and out of view in a classroom setting.
Educators and staff will set clear expectations and consequences regarding use of personal devices, and according to division procedures are to use progressive discipline actions if required that include notifications to parents and guardians if a student is found to have violated the policy.
Students will also be informed of expectations each school has in regards to the storage of personal devices.
Some accommodations the division has set aside include teacher approved educational purposes and to support, monitor or regulate an identified health or medical condition as per the student’s medical plan.
Cellphone use will also be permitted for students with accessibility and accommodation needs and for all students in a practice or emergency situation.
According to the division’s procedures all schools will provide annual updates to staff, students and parents that the use of personal digital devices may be banned or restricted.
