LAKELAND - On June 17, Demetrios Nicolaides, Alberta’s Minister of Education, announced a province-wide ban on cell phone use in K-12 classrooms.
Schools in the Lakeland will align themselves with the restrictions when students return to class in the fall.
According to the Government of Alberta, “A survey for parents and school stakeholders received over 68,000 responses. Almost 90 per cent of respondents shared concern over student cellphone use at school.”
In a statement provided to Lakeland This Week, Lakeland Catholic School Division (LCSD) states that although they already have cell phone rules in place that they deem effective, the school division that has schools in Bonnyville, Cold Lake and Lac La Biche regions, will review the new policies and “adjust [their] procedures as necessary to align with future provincial standards.”
LCSD will implement any adjustments in their policies come Sept. 1.
LCSD states, “Our division's proactive stance on cell phone use has successfully prevented them from becoming a distraction to learning.”
Statistics Canada claims one in four youth will be affected by cyberbullying.
“I am confident that these restrictions will reduce distractions, maximize learning time, support student mental health and reduce opportunities for cyber bullying," said Nicolaides.
Dr. Michael Boyes, Developmental Psychologist, Department of Psychology, University of Calgary spoke on the issue, last week, saying, “I am pleased to see Alberta’s government move forward with limitations to the use of personal mobile devices and social media in schools. Research is showing us ways that they can negatively influence student success and mental health. This initiative will support schools in addressing those areas of concern and help our students get the most out of their education.”
The Alberta Teachers Association also offered a comment, with Jason Schilling, president of the ATA saying, “The ATA is pleased to see that the government’s direction reflects ATA policy in keeping students focused on their learning while balancing situations when technology can be used to meet medical and learning needs or outcomes. Teachers and school leaders look forward to having the support of government and school boards as they implement this new policy.”
In the past, Ontario, Quebec and British Columbia have announced province-wide restrictions or bans on cellphone use in schools, with some exceptions in place.
