By Pam Wright, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Chatham Voice
Ontario’s latest cellphone ban in schools may seem ground breaking, but officials say local school boards were ahead of the game.
St. Clair Catholic District School Board director Scott Johnson said the new edict didn’t effect much change within the board.
“In most of our schools, cellphones weren’t allowed anyways,” Johnson told The Voice in a recent interview. “We tell students to put their phones away and they do. Literally, it’s a moot point.”
Johnson said he’s spoken with other education directors in Ontario and learned the cellphone abuse isn’t considered to be a big problem.
“The less cellphones, the better,” he said, noting most parents want to see less phone usage among students. “Our students are being compliant with the new restrictions on cellphones. We’re pleased to say it is running very smoothly. Like vaping, it doesn’t seem to be a problem.”
It’s the same story over at the Lambton Kent District School Board. Education superintendent Gary Girardi said the board’s already existing policy “aligned ” with the ban which came into effect at the beginning of the school year, noting updating the school community was key.
“We made sure there was clear communication with parents,” Girardi stressed, adding a reminder about the restrictions was sent to all families prior to the school year.
“The school community has responded well,” he said. “By and large, most of our schools have lined up well. Anecdotally, things are going very well.”
According to Girardi, the board’s safe school committee, comprised of school administrators, will continue to monitor the situation and will address any problems that may arise.
Changes announced by Ontario’s Ministry of Education earlier this year decreed that students in kindergarten to Grade 6 are required to keep phones on silent and out of site for the entire school day, unless explicitly permitted by an educator. For students in Grades 7 to 12, cellphones will not be permitted during class time, unless directed by the educator.
As well, social media websites will be removed from all school networks and devices, and report cards will include comment on students’ distraction levels in class.
The ministry will provide mandatory training for teachers and new supports for students and parents on the new rules.
