While one Manitoba school division is no longer allowing cell phones in its classrooms, the Hanover and Seine River divisions have no interest in following suit. 

Since October 1st, students in Division Scolaire Franco-Manitobaine (DSFM) schools have not been allowed to use cell phones while in the classroom. 

Division Superintendent Alain Laberge says they noticed during the pandemic that more and more students had cell phones. Yet, he says these phones were not being used for teaching purposes, but rather as a means of socializing and playing games. 

Seine River Superintendent Ryan Anderson says he appreciates the way DSFM reached their decision, by consulting parents, staff and students. 

“We as a division haven’t looked at that in quite the same way and I think it’s maybe because it hasn’t surfaced as a significant concern in our schools,” Anderson says. “That doesn’t mean it isn’t something that isn’t dealt with regularly.” 

As it stands, Seine River does not have a division-wide policy regarding the use of cell phones or other technology. 

“Each individual school will have its own set of school-based policies or procedures, often outlined in the form of a parent or student handbook,” he notes. “There’s also, by extension of that, a student code of conduct often housed in that same document. And it’s those things that would govern or dictate how cell phones are used by students in individual schools.” 

For example, École St. Adolphe School the following in its student handbook which is also available through the school website: 

“It is expected that all electronic equipment, including cell phones, iPods, cameras, etc. remain at home. They are expensive devices and the school will not be responsible for lost, broken or stolen items. Unauthorized use of such devices may result in the item being confiscated until the end of the school day. Only our divisional iPad project classes should have electronics at school.” 

In the handbook for Ste. Anne Collegiate students: 

“While we acknowledge that cell phones are a part of everyday life, we have noticed an increase in electronic usage during critical class time which often prevents a student from learning at their full potential. Therefore, students will be expected to put cell phones and any other electronic devices away during lessons unless otherwise instructed by the classroom teacher. Teachers may give students designated time to look at their phones during class, or will integrate them into their learning (example: research, using Teams, etc.). We believe that technology is extremely valuable when used at the right time.” 

Meanwhile, the Hanover School Division has a division-wide policy that addresses the use of technology by students, staff and visitors. 

The 6-page document was last reviewed on June 30, 2021. It includes expectations for students in different grade levels with younger students not allowed to bring cell phones to school. For each grade level, there is limited use of cell phones in a classroom setting. 

The HSD policy also indicates that each school with students in Grade 9-12 is expected to create school-specific expectations for use of students’ cell phones. 

At the Steinbach Regional Secondary School, students are advised in the student/parent handbook that “Use of personal electronics under the direction of a teacher is encouraged. If personal electronics are not part of the teacher’s plan, students should not use them. Respect the boundaries of acceptable use. Students should not take pictures or video of people without their permission. Malicious use of recorded data violates the school policies and may also carry legal consequences.” 

The cell phone ban in DSFM classrooms is only in its first month and Laberge says he was getting mostly positive feedback even before the ban came into effect. 

@steinbach_online

Cell phone ban to begin at DSFM schools.

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-With files from Carly Koop and Shannon Dueck

 

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