As students settle in to the new school year, the Coast Mountains School District (CMSD) has introduced new provincial rules restricting the use of cell phones and other personal digital devices during school hours. Updated policies are now in place, impacting all students from Kindergarten to Grade 12. The changes aim to create a more focused, distraction-free learning environment and enhance student safety.
After the first week of the new rule, Janet Meyer, CMSD interim superintendent, said conversations with teachers indicate the transition is going "quite well."
"It's great news. I'm really excited for this policy to allow students to be more engaged with their learning. It will help up address some of the mental health concerns that come from extended use of technology." She highlighted the impact of social media on student focus, mental well-being and the pressure to stay constantly connected.
For younger students in Kindergarten through Grade 6, the school district’s Policy 1090, Bring Your Own Technology, now requires that all personal devices remain powered off and out of sight throughout the school day unless a teacher permits their use for educational purposes. Students in Grades 7 to 12 face similar restrictions, with devices required to be powered off and stored during instructional hours. However, students are allowed to use their devices outside of class time
The province set these minimum expectations, although individual schools may choose to enforce stricter rules if needed. The policy revisions also account for students with medical or accessibility needs, allowing school teams to create customized plans for students who require digital devices for specific purposes.
Meyers said most district schools are sticking with the minimum expectations, however Skeena Middle School may be implementing a bell-to-bell blackout, meaning the ordinary permission to use devices between classes will be prohibited. At press time Black Press couldn't confirm this with school administration.
The revised guidelines were approved in June as part of the district’s alignment with amendments to the provincial School Act. The changes are part of a broader set of actions introduced by the provincial government to ensure students' safety and well-being.
“Every child in British Columbia should feel safe, supported, and engaged when they head back to school,” Premier David Eby said in August. “Our government is ensuring students can reach their full potential by restricting cellphones in classrooms.”
