Cell Phone/Mobile Device Policy 

The Ministry of Education has provided new direction around cell phone and mobile device use in all Ontario schools. The new direction will help reduce the distraction of cell phones and mobile devices so that students can be more engaged and focus on learning. Ministry of Education PPM128, TDSB Cell Phone/Mobile Device Use in Schools www.tdsb.on.ca/mobiledeviceuse .

Personal mobile device refers to any personal electronic device that can be used to communicate or to access the Internet, such as a cellphone tablet, laptop or smartwatch.

All TDSB students and staff are asked to follow the new Ministry of Education direction around cell phone and mobile device use at school and in classrooms:

• All Members of the School Community must not use personal mobile devices during instructional time except under the following circumstances: for educational purposes (as directed by an educator), for health and medical purposes, to support special education needs.

• Students in Grades 7 to 12 must have cell phones/mobile devices powered off or set to silent during instructional time.

What happens if a student does not follow the policy?

If the student does not hand in their personal mobile device when required, they must be sent to the Principal’s office, as per Ministry direction. Principals have discretion under PPM No. 145, Progressive discipline and promoting positive student behaviour, to consider a range of responses to address this behaviour including suspension.

As part of the new Ministry guidelines, school boards are also required to restrict access to all social media platforms on school networks and school devices. This does not include SMS text messaging. Social media platforms can only be used by students at school for educational purposes, directed by an educator. 

Remember: All members of the school community must not record, take or share non-consensual recordings or photos of members of the school community.

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITY:

• All students are responsible for their personal mobile device, how they use it and the actions taken if the requirements are not followed (e.g. setting phone to silent, storing out of view).

• Ask their teachers what their expectations are for cell phone and mobile device use so you understand what’s allowed and what’s not in all classrooms. 

• Should the direction not be followed, students will be asked to hand in their phone or be sent to the Principal’s office, as per the Ministry of Education. 

• We want to work together to create focused and engaging learning environments that are free from the distraction of cell phones and mobile devices and support the achievement and mental health of all TDSB students!

Note: TDSB schools and staff are not responsible or liable for any damage or loss that may occur to devices that are placed in storage due to a violation of school policy.