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About our School » Cell Phone and Personal Mobile Device Expectations

Cell Phone and Personal Mobile Device Expectations

 

Rationale

We are proud to foster welcoming environments that support student learning and well-being.

 

New measures, guided by the Provincial Code of Conduct, are being put in place to address distractions in the classroom, such as cell phone and personal mobile device use.

 

A growing body of research demonstrates the negative effects of recreational mobile device use on youth mental health, social interactions and overall academic achievement.  By working collaboratively, we can support student learning, well-being and future success.

 

Instructional Time

Students are not permitted to have a personal cell phone or mobile device during instructional time.  This rule applies to students who are in classrooms and the hallways during class time.

 

Devices must be turned off or set to silent mode and stored out of view during instructional time.

 

DSB1 Devices for Learning

DSB1 is proud to offer 1:1 iPads for students in Grades 4 to 12 to support learning. 

 

As such, personal devices are not required for learning and will not be permitted for learning purposes in our schools. 

 

Please ensure that if your child brings their DSB1-issued iPad home, they return to school the following day with the device fully charged.

 

Additionally, social media sites will be inaccessible through DSB1 Wi-Fi networks.

 

Communicating with the School and Your Child

We ask that you do not call, text or send social media messages to your child during class time.  You may reach out to them on their personal mobile device before and after school and during the lunch period.  If you must reach your child in case of an emergency, please call the school. Should you not be able to reach someone immediately, please leave a message.

 

Bathrooms, Change Rooms and Privacy

To protect the privacy of all students, all mobile devices are prohibited in bathrooms and change rooms.

 

Photographing or Recording Other People

Students are not permitted to take photos, videos, audio recordings or broadcasts of people at any time, without their expressed permission.

 

Progressive Discipline

At a minimum, schools will follow these steps.  Some schools may have more stringent expectations. 
  • Students who have a personal device during instructional time will be asked to store it out of view by the Teacher.
  • If the student refuses to do so, they will be sent to the office, where they will place their device in an envelope provided by the Principal or Vice-Principal.
  • The school will call the family.
  • The student will be permitted to pick up their device at the next natural break in the day (i.e. lunch or the end of the school day).
  • Students who refuse to surrender their device to the Principal or Vice-Principal will be sent home.
  • Ongoing behaviours contrary to the updated Code of Conduct may result in suspensions.

Supports

Families are encouraged to help their child(ren) find a healthy balance in using technology by limiting screen time at home. You can also: