Learn why officials in the Canadian province of Ontario have issued a ban on cellphones and other devices connected to the Internet and how it will be enforced.
Sysoft, a Toronto IT Support company shares their insights into the latest rules in Ontario.
As of November 4, 2019, cellphones will not be allowed within classrooms throughout the Ontario province. The move applies to all electronic devices, including laptops, tablets and other devices that can connect to the internet.
The ban, announced in August 2019 by Education Minister Stephen Lecce, does not apply to students who need the devices for medical, educational or special-education purposes.
While the ban is not the first in Canada, it is putting the spotlight on the issues of access, safety and educational priorities.
Why Was the Ontario Cellphone Ban Implemented?
The work came out of a province-wide consultation on education reform held in the fall of 2018. In that work, 97 per cent of parents, students and teachers urged that cellphone use should be restricted in some way.
“When in class, students should be focused on their studies, not their social media,” Lecce stated in a release. “That’s why we are restricting cellphones and other personal mobile devices in the classroom, while making sure technology is available to help students achieve success in the digital economy and modern workforce.”
What Devices are Banned in Ontario Classrooms?
All devices that connect to the internet are banned. This means smartphones, cellphones, laptops, tablet, games and other connected items.
Where Else are Cellphones Banned in Classrooms?
Ontario is not the first region to ban cellphones and other mobile devices from classrooms. The French government in July 2018 banned cellphones from its classrooms. And in June 2019, Victoria, an Australian state, announced a ban on cellphones in classrooms.
Other countries with nationwide or local cellphone bans include China, Ghana, Israel, New Zealand, Rwanda, Serbia, Uganda, the United Kingdom and the United States.
Ontario students can still bring cellphones and other devices to school. However, the devices may not be used during the times banned by the provincial or local policies.
How Will the Cellphone Ban Be Enforced?
According to guidelines issued by the Ontario government, the restrictions have been added to the Provincial Code of Conduct, which details the roles and responsibilities of everyone involved in the school system — students, teachers, administrators, parents and community partners. It establishes standards of behaviour that all are expected to follow and applies not only to school locations but also school buses, school events and activities.
The ban applies to all people involved with a school while at those activities, including students, school personnel, parents and visitors.
Local schools are required to create codes of conduct that align with the revised Provincial Code of Conduct. The Nov. 4 implementation date was chosen to give those local school districts time to revise or create their codes of conduct. According to the provincial government, many local school systems already have policies about technology.
Students and others found to be violating the restrictions will be disciplined based on the local codes of conduct.
Are Teachers Happy with the Ontario Cellphone Ban?
Shortly after the ban was announced, the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO) called the ban a last-minute political ploy by the Conservative party.
While many studies have shown that test results improve when cellphones are not allowed in classrooms, it will take some time to determine the educational impact of the Ontario ban.