The two largest school boards in Chatham-Kent are updating their policies covering students and cell phones, in keeping with a provincial directive.
The Lambton Kent and St Clair Catholic District School Boards will be reducing access to personal mobile devices and social networks for the 2024-25 school year.
Personal mobile devices are not to be used during instructional time except for educational purposes as directed by an educator, for health or medical purposes, or to support special education needs. Cell phones, cameras and other digital imaging and/or audio recording devices will not be allowed in change rooms or washrooms at any time.
Students in grades eight and below may not use cellphones or other mobile devices at school during the school day without the permission of an educator. High school students in grades nine and above may not use cellphones or other mobiles devices during class time without the explicit permission of an educator.
“We know that student learning improves when students are not distracted from their lessons” states LKDSB Director John Howitt. “Breakfast and snack programs help to remove the distraction of hunger, just as limiting the access to cell phones and mobile devices help to remove the distractions they cause.”
In all instances, students’ personal mobile devices must be turned off or set to silent mode and stored out of view. If an educator sees a mobile device that is not stored out of view, they must discuss with the student and/or ask for it to be handed in for the class (Grades 9-12) or for the day (Grades K-8). The student must place the device in a storage area in a location designated by the educator or principal.
“Using a cell phone during instructional time or other restricted periods in school is a teachable moment” states SCCDSB Director of Education, Scott Johnson. “By addressing these moments, we show students that their engagement matters. It’s about developing an understanding and demonstrating that their educators genuinely care about their presence and participation in the classroom.”
