BCS Cell Phone Expectations:
*Updated September 2026*
Primary to Grade 9: NO cell phones out at school (even at recess/lunch)
Student cell phones will be in their bags/lockers during the school day
NOTE: cell phones and personal technology are not allowed during class time or in unstructured times; use will result in disciplinary action, as part of the Provincial Code of Conduct.
In an emergency, please contact the office at 624-2120, and we will call the student to the Office or give them a note from you.
Ways you can help support quality instruction in the classroom:
Encourage your student to find a trusted adult if they need something/are having issues and not go straight to their phone to problem solve.
As a parent, set a good example and DO NOT text/message during the school day.
Remind students that they do not have "free periods", so attendance/attention to learning is expected. If a student messages you to tell you they aren’t doing anything today, be skeptical. We do not have periods of free time where cell phone use is permitted.
FAQs:
How will I contact my child during the day? Parents may continue to contact their child through the school office at any time. Students who need to contact home will also be supported through the office.
What if after-school plans change? Whenever possible, changes should be communicated through the school office. Students may access their phones after dismissal.
What about emergencies? The school has established emergency communication procedures. During emergencies, students are safest when following staff and first responder directions, while the school communicates directly with families.
Will there be exceptions? Only approved accommodations will be honoured in accordance with the Provincial Directive through the program planning process.
Will the policy be enforced consistently? Yes. A bell-to-bell expectation is simple, clear, and consistent for students and staff, making expectations easier to understand and enforce.
Should students learn responsible phone use instead? Yes. Digital citizenship will continue to be taught. This initiative simply creates protected time during the school day where students can focus on learning and relationships.
What about Chromebook use? As stated, digital citizenship will continue to be taught. Continuing to monitor appropriate classroom usage of school devices will always be a priority.
For more information on the Provincial expectation regarding cell phone usage, please refer to: https://www.ednet.ns.ca/docs/pandireleaseprovincialdirectiveoncellphoneuseinschoolsen.pdf
We appreciate your support in raising the bar on education at BCS and holding your student(s) to a higher standard of learning and following expectations.