Rainbow Board seeks input on cell phone/mobile device use in schools

Rainbow District School Board is seeking feedback on cell phone/mobile device use in schools from students, parents/guardians, staff, school visitors, partners and the public. The feedback will be reviewed as part of the creation of an Administrative Procedure on Cell Phone/Mobile Device Use in Schools that will apply to the entire school community this fall.

The survey will remain open until July 12, 2024.  All responses will be anonymous.

The survey can be completed at the following link: bit.ly/rdsb cell mobile survey

The Administrative Procedure is a requirement under the Ministry of Education Policy/Program Memorandum (PPM) 128: The Provincial Code of Conduct and School Board Codes of Conduct issued on April 28, 2024.

In accordance with PPM 128, members of the school community must not use personal mobile devices during instructional time except under the following circumstances:

o   for educational purposes, as directed by an educator
o   for health and medical purposes
o   to support special education needs

Survey respondents are being asked to consider the following factors when providing their input:  the age of the student, maximizing classroom instructional time, prioritizing mental health and well-being, fostering engaging teaching and learning environments, and focusing on student success and achievement.

In addition to the survey feedback, the Administrative Procedure will consider legislative requirements, government policy directives, and the Board’s operational requirements as well as concerns about the inordinate amount of time spent on cell phones and social media and the growing research on their negative impact on student well-being.

Rainbow District School Board is committed to developing a Cell Phone/Mobile Device Use Administrative Procedure that supports teaching and learning in a safe, caring and productive environment. This procedure will align with the Board’s strategic priorities in Student Success and Achievement, Literacy and Numeracy, and Mental Health and Well-Being.

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Media Contact:
Nicole Charette, Senior Advisor,
Corporate Communications and Strategic Planning,
Rainbow District School Board, 705-674-3171 ext. 7217.