Cell phones are now effectively prohibited in schools across B.C., a new policy for the 2024/25 school year. (Dreamstime)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

early days

New cell phone restrictions in Nanaimo schools largely well received

Sep 5, 2024 | 12:24 PM

NANAIMO — While the notion of no cell phones in schools remains a very new policy for most local schools, the first few days under the new rules have gone reasonably well.

School District 68 trustees discussed the new provincially-mandated policy during their education committee meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 4, noting the broad restrictions have generated little complaint from staff, students or families.

Assistant superintendent Don Balcombe said the new restrictions broadly prohibit cell phone use throughout the school day, but are flexible enough to let schools and teachers integrate the technology into lessons, where appropriate.

“It allows for teachers to have some direction on digital device use, particularly at the upper secondary level where many of our teachers use technology on the regular. Google Classrooms [for example], students are using their devices, including phones, to compose essays and assignments.”

Under the current policies, elementary students are restricted from using their devices “from the start of day bell to dismissal bell”, according to a letter sent to families in late August.

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Secondary students have a little more flexibility but must ensure their phone is silent or in airplane mode prior to entering class.

Exceptions in class are made for students at all levels who require devices for accessibility, medical, health or learning needs.

Balcombe said there’s been few complaints about the new rules during the first week back at school.

He hopes the new rules outlined by the province and refined in the District, will have positive impacts beyond the classroom.

“Restricting cell phone use is a good step, but the end goal is to have students develop that as part of their educational journey, to be good digital citizens and to be able to use technology in a positive way while maintaining healthy boundaries for themselves and their online presence.”

Refinement of policies around technology in the classroom will continue throughout the school year, including various engagement opportunities from the District to parents and caregivers.

The idea is to strike a balance between useful and helpful technology, and items which are potentially distracting and harmful.

“Reducing the screen time is not a cold turkey cutout, and we don’t want to go backwards with technology. I think one of the opportunities for conversation will be around what technology do we have that we can use robustly, like getting a real camera in their hands instead of snapping phones [with their phones].”

Balcombe admitted the changes were as much for students as they are for families, who may rely on communicating directly with their children while at school through texting or social media.

Trustee Tania Brzovic said the work the District does on restricting devices has to go beyond just limiting their use.

Instead, she hopes policy will focus on digital literacy strategies to help steer kids towards responsible, beneficial use.

“My personal belief is prohibition doesn’t actually do much good, it doesn’t matter what it is. If you’re just telling a person ‘you can’t do that, it’s bad for you don’t do it’, doesn’t actually give them the skills to not do it and doesn’t give them the skills when they do want to do it…to do it responsibly.”

The new provincial rules were announced in January 2024 as part of a slate of new education-related initiatives focused on student safety both in person and online.

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