It's Back to School without Cellphones for Many Students
Many Canadian students will be going back in time when the new school year starts – without the use of their cellphones during class.
British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Ontario, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick have all announced that students can no longer use their cellphones during class time.
Where else are cellphones banned in class?
In Quebec, cellphones were banned in public schools at the beginning of January. In Newfoundland Labrador, students in kindergarten to Grade 6 schools aren’t allowed to use their mobile phones in classrooms except in circumstances where they are needed to support documented learning needs.
Depending on where you live, the rules around your child’s cellphone use at school and any exceptions will vary and so will whether they apply to elementary and/or high school students. Make sure you understand how a classroom cellphone ban will apply at your child’s school.
Why are cellphones being banned in classrooms?
There is growing recognition by provincial governments of the impact that cellphones and social media are having on students’ academic development.
Smartphones can interfere or replace real-world activities, like getting together with friends, exercising, or being outside.
There’s also concern about the use of smartphones and screen time and mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, loneliness, and reduction in sleep quality.
Cellphones can also be a distraction and lead to cyber bullying.
Pros of banning cellphone use during class
- Paying more attention in class: Without the distraction of cellphones, students should be able to pay more attention in class, leading to improved understanding and retention of what they are learning in class.
- Reduced dependence on devices/technology: Banning phones in class encourages students to rely on their own intellect, research, ideas, and resourcefulness.
- Reduced cheating: Cellphones can be used to cheat during exams or assignments via text messages, internet searches, and hidden notes. Banning them can help reduce cheating.
- Restriction of inappropriate internet content: Unfiltered internet access on smartphones risks exposing students to content that’s harmful, hateful, or age inappropriate.
- Social well-being: Social media posts can portray unrealistic ideals and goals, leading to self-esteem problems and social pressure among students.
- More social interaction: Removing cellphones from the classroom can help increase face-to-face interaction and build stronger relationships between students and teachers.
- Help reduce cyberbullying: Banning cellphones in class can, hopefully, reduce or stop cyberbullying by cutting the constant flow of text messages, notifications, and emails to a cyberbullying victim during school.
Cons of banning cellphones in class
- Limited access to learning resources: Smartphones can provide access to e-books, online courses, and research tools during class time.
- Digital literacy: Restricting smartphone use completely may limit students’ opportunities to develop essential digital literacy skills needed for their future careers and society. Online learning applications help students to study at anytime, anywhere.
- Safety: Cellphones can be essential for emergency communication with parents or guardians. Students who drive to school or travel on public transport can use cellphones in emergency situations. Students also might not be able to call for help in emergencies if they do not have access to their phones.
Parents also must decide and set boundaries for how much cellphone use is appropriate for their child. Parents need to be mindful of how often they are using their phones around their children.
Talk to your child/children about cellphone use and its pros and cons. What do they think and what do you think about cellphone use? Come up with a plan for cellphone use that meets their best interests and keeps them engaged in the real world, at home and at school.
