How has the new cell phone policy impacted KCI staff and students? 

Written by: Selma Toeller

What is the new policy?

At the beginning of the 2024/2025 school year, a new phone policy was implemented province-wide by the Ministry of Education as a form of digital detox, to remove distractions, and help students to better focus at school.

The policy was first in the making near the end of 2023 and over the summer. 

Students will no longer be permitted to access their phones during class time unless given permission by teachers, and are permitted to use their phones at break and after school.  

The system was implemented due to past phone policies in previous years not being as effective as hoped.  The policy is based partially on trust, accountability, 

self-control, and reinforcement from staff and students. The Ministry of Education believes this new policy will be beneficial for all and will create a positive change to schools in Ontario.

The Student Perspective

The new policy has faced some controversy since being enforced. Grade 12 student Sedra Al Jour noted that the policy has positive and negative aspects. Sedra believes that phones can be distracting and the new phone policy can help students to better focus on their studies. However, Sedra explained that students should be considered mature enough to make the right choice and understand the consequences of making bad choices.  

Additionally, Sedra added that students should be given more freedom when it comes to this policy and that there should be more choice in the matter: “As a grade 12 student I would prefer to have the option to be able to look at it,” she said. 

The Staff Perspective

According to Vice Principal Ms. LeBeau, the policy is bringing a great amount of positive change to the KCI community and everything seems to be going well. She noted, “Not a lot of students have been coming to the office because of cell phone rules,” and “teachers have been positive about students following cellphone rules.” 

Ultimately, Ms. LeBeau felt very optimistic about the policy, stating, “I think phones have been a distraction for students and their learning.” And when asked if the new phone policy would bring positive change to the KCI community, she responded, “Yes, I wholeheartedly believe in that.” 

Overall, despite some mixed perspectives regarding the new cell phone policy in school, it is evident that a range of benefits have emerged from it.