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October 2024
Dear Elementary School Families
This letter is to inform you that there have been updates to student use of personal mobile devices in schools, in particular, students must now store their mobile device out of view, and power off or set to silent mode during the school day. As you may know, in 2024, the Ontario Ministry of Education introduced a directive modifying the use of personal mobile devices in classrooms. YRDSB already has Policy and Procedure 194.0 Appropriate Use of Technology and many measures around personal mobile devices are already in place. The changes you may see will bring alignment with the new Ministry Directive. The following expectations for students’ use of personal mobile devices are outlined in the revised Provincial Code of Conduct (PPM 128), and the York Region District School Board’s Policy #668 Caring and Safe Schools.
A personal mobile device is any personal electronic device that can be used to communicate or access the internet, such as a laptop, cellphone, tablet or smart watch.
Expectations
Students are responsible for their personal mobile device, how they use it and the consequences of not following the provincial or school board policy.
Students’ personal mobile devices must be stored out of view and powered off or set to silent mode, except under the circumstances outlined below:
- for educational purposes, as directed by an educator
- for health and medical purposes
- to support special education needs
Students in Kindergarten to Grade 8 can bring a personal mobile device to school, but will only be able to use it before and after school. They may not use personal mobile devices at school during the school day, including recess and lunchtime, unless students leave school property for lunch.
New Practices at School
If your child is in Kindergarten to Grade 6 and an educator sees a personal mobile device that is not stored out of view and powered off or set to silent mode, the student may be required to bring their personal mobile device to the school administrator for the school day. The personal mobile device will be placed by the student in a storage area in a location designated by the school administrator.
If your child is in Grade 7 or 8 and an educator sees a personal mobile device that is not stored out of view and powered off or set to silent mode, the student may be required to place their personal mobile device in a storage area designated by the educator for the class or period.
If your child uses their personal mobile device inappropriately, progressive discipline may apply and families may be notified.
Resources
Families play an important role in teaching children about finding a healthy balance in using technology. You may wish to access the following resources:
- Media Smarts - Four Tips for Managing Your Kids’ Screen Time
- School Mental Health Ontario - Helping Your Child Manage Digital Technology
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health - Problem Gambling and Technology Use Treatment Services
For additional information regarding Policy/Program (PPM) 128, please visit the Ministry of Education’s Cellphones and other mobile devices in schools site or the York Region District School Board’s website.
Thank you.
October 2024
Dear Secondary School Families
This letter is to inform you that there have been updates to student use of personal mobile devices in schools, in particular, students must now store their mobile device out of view, and power off or set to silent mode during instructional/class time. As you may know, in 2024, the Ontario Ministry of Education introduced a directive modifying the use of personal mobile devices in classrooms. YRDSB already has Policy and Procedure 194.0 - Appropriate Use of Technology and many measures around personal mobile devices in place. The changes you may see will bring alignment with the new Ministry Directive. The following expectations for students’ use of personal mobile devices are outlined in the revised Provincial Code of Conduct (PPM 128), and the York Region District School Board’s Policy #668 Caring and Safe Schools.
A personal mobile device is any personal electronic device that can be used to communicate or access the internet, such as a laptop, cellphone, tablet or smart watch.
Expectations
Students are responsible for their personal mobile device, how they use it and the consequences of not following the provincial or school board policy.
Students’ personal mobile devices must be stored out of view and powered off or set to silent mode, except under the circumstances outlined below:
- for educational purposes, as directed by an educator
- for health and medical purposes
- to support special education needs
Students in secondary school can bring a personal mobile device to school, but will be able to
use it only during non-instructional time.
New Practices at School
If an educator sees a personal mobile device that is not stored out of view and powered off or set to silent mode, even after staff reminders, the student may be required to place their personal mobile device in a storage area in a location designated by the educator for the class or period.
Your child may face consequences if they use their personal mobile device inappropriately. Progressive discipline may apply and families may be notified.
Resources:
Families play an important role in teaching children about finding a healthy balance in using technology. You may wish to access the following resources:
- Media Smarts - Four Tips for Managing Your Kids’ Screen Time
- School Mental Health Ontario - Helping Your Child Manage Digital Technology
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health - Problem Gambling and Technology Use Treatment Services
For additional information regarding Policy/Program (PPM) 128, please visit the Ministry of Education’s Cellphones and other mobile devices in schools site or the York Region District School Board’s website.
Thank you.