Cell Phone Policy Rundown

Written By Ella Tobin

Similar to Ontario, Nova Scotia now has a Provincial Directive on Cell Phone Use in Schools. You may be wondering, what does this mean for you? Well here’s what you need to know regarding the Directive’s effect on high-school students. While some students feared they would have to leave their phone at home, you will actually be able to have your phone in the school building. You still are able to use your phone during lunch, between classes, on frees, and after school hours. You must have your phone turned off and stored during instructional time. There are a few exceptions to this though, if a student has a medical situation or a situation related to their abilities that requires them to use a phone they may gain access to their phone only if decided necessary by the Student Planning Team which would include the student’s parents. Phones are not allowed in washrooms or change rooms at any time so students must not push this rule and bring their phones into the washrooms. Teachers and staff are expected to represent this new directive by only using their own phones for necessary school-related reasons. Teachers and administrators will be enforcing this new directive to ensure its success to help students focus and cut back on the temptation to cheat using your cellular device. To assist with enforcing this, know that principals may get a student to give up their phones (as allowed under section 31(1)(e) of the Education Act) if the student is misusing their phone during the allotted instructional time. If the student is not complying and refuses to surrender the phone, the principal will follow the Provincial School Code of Conduct Policy to address that. The directive may very well end up being a benefit for the students. Students now will have an easier time focusing on their work in class and be less tempted to cheat by Googling or using AI to find the answers. Overall, while some students may find it difficult to adjust to the directive, it may result in an easier learning experience for the students and the teachers, just remember to keep that phone off during class!