A trustee from the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) is advocating for a comprehensive board-wide policy addressing cellphone usage in classrooms. The proposed policy could include measures such as cellphone bans and restrictions on social media use to enhance the educational experience for school-age children.
In a notice of motion submitted to the board, TDSB chair Rachel Chernos Lin called for an updated policy on cellphone use in schools that aligns with provincial guidance and maintains consistency across all schools.
Currently, the board has a “procedure” in place regarding cellphone usage, emphasizing that students should only use personal mobile devices for educational purposes. However, Chernos Lin points out that enforcing this policy can be challenging, its application can vary between schools, and it may not be widely known.
Chernos Lin, who serves as the trustee for Don Valley West, stated, “Since becoming a trustee five years ago, this is one issue that has been repeatedly raised with me by parents. If trustees agree with me, we’re looking to create something that has a little more teeth and that sets very clear expectations.”
This motion rekindles the ongoing debate about addressing inappropriate cellphone use by students during class or at school, a persistent issue. The board initially implemented a cellphone ban in 2007 but lifted it in 2011, emphasizing the importance of teaching students responsible technology use. However, Chernos Lin believes it’s time to reassess the situation, given the proliferation of various social media apps, increased screen time, and the need for students to readjust to in-person learning after disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The province expressed support for the TDSB’s initiative, stating that it aligns with the government’s policy. The provincial policy, introduced in 2019, mandates that mobile devices should only be used during lessons for educational purposes as directed, health and medical purposes, or special education needs.
While some acknowledge the problem, they argue that implementing a ban may not be the most effective approach. Instead, they propose focusing on teaching students how to use their phones appropriately within established boundaries. Jason Bradshaw, a science teacher at Peel District School Board’s Castlebrooke Secondary School, suggests that the focus should be on providing support to teachers who choose to enforce cellphone bans in their classrooms.
Joel Westheimer, the university research chair in democracy and education at the University of Ottawa, believes that a cellphone ban may be truly effective if schools find alternative ways to foster a sense of community and connection without relying on technology.
TDSB trustees from the governance and policy committee are scheduled to meet on January 17 to further discuss the implementation of this motion.