BARRHEAD – Local trustees and school administrators say most of the feedback around the new policy banning cell phones in classrooms has been positive.
At the Wednesday, Nov. 27 Pembina Hills School Division Board meeting, school trustees shared feedback that they had received regarding the no cell phones in classrooms legislation that was announced in June.
“Since September I've received one parent phone call that was unhappy. They had a different perception on what they felt was their child's right to have a cell phone in a class,” said superintendent Brett Cooper. “I know many of our trustees through school councils have heard from principals around how well the cell phone policy is going.”
“It's really hasn't disrupted our world. I heard one principal recently commended their students for how amazingly they've adapted, modified and adjusted their behaviour.”
Trustee Maureen Schnirer said she has heard a lot of positive feedback.
“I like that there is clear direction on health-related exceptions,” said trustee Victoria Kane.
Cooper clarified that it is a ministerial requirement to make exceptions for things like medical or learning behaviour challenges, modifications, or adaptations.
Board chairman David Truckey shared that he has not heard any negative feedback on the subject.
Minister of Education Demetrios Nicolaides announced on June 17 that for students will no longer be permitted to use personal mobile devices during class time and social media will be restricted.
The policy was implemented for the start of the school year in September.
“This is part of the legislative requirement that government outlines it needs to be in place Jan. 1, 2025,” Cooper stated.
Slade Sekulich, Barrhead Composite High School (BCHS) principal, stated in June, that the school's current policy is that they don’t want students using their tech devices during instructional time.
For BCHS that means they have had this guideline in place for going on the third year now.
“We want to make sure that our staff are also modelling appropriately, and that's gone out, and we've had no concerns brought from staff as well,” said Cooper.
The staff guideline was discussed at the previous board meeting on Oct. 30.
Students can use their devices during their breaks between classes and lunch time. If a student has a spare period, they should be in the student common area and can be using their phones.
