Caveat: What has spawned this posting is the large number of calls that we have received from media outlets asking us about our opinion of Quebec implementing a new “no” cellphone policy for schools in their province.
In recent Canadian news, the spotlight has once again turned towards the ongoing debate over cellphone usage in schools, with Quebec implementing a new cellphone policy that has generated media attention. Here’s a current headline, “Quebec students forbidden from using cellphones in classrooms after winter break”. Although this headline is attention-grabbing, let’s delve deeper into the details to gain a clearer understanding of what is actually happening in Quebec.
It is crucial to dispel the notion that Quebec has outright banned cellphones in classrooms. Contrary to the attention-grabbing headline, the province still permits the use of cellphones for educational purposes, with teachers retaining discretion in deciding when and how these devices are integrated into the classroom learning process.
Quebec’s mandate, while not a total ban, restricts cellphone use for non-educational purposes. The policy allows for exceptions while emphasizing the importance of maintaining a focused and productive learning environment.
Interestingly, this move by Quebec is not entirely ground-breaking. Joe Ortona, Chair of the English Montreal School Board, pointed out that their school board has had a similar policy in place for over a decade. This echoes the experiences of many schools across Canada that we have presented at (over 1000) as well, with the majority having established well-grounded guidelines regarding cellphone use by both students and staff while at school.
Drawing on academic peer-reviewed research, it becomes evident that a blanket ban may not be the most effective approach. We advocate for a “moderated use policy” in schools, and in this article that we wrote last year we explain the why:
https://thewhitehatter.ca/blog/some-thoughts-about-cellphones-in-classrooms/,
Rather than creating a cellphone policy from the provincial level, we believe it should be left to the autonomy of school districts and individual schools. This approach recognizes the diversity of needs and challenges faced by schools, allowing them to tailor their cellphone policies to align with their unique educational environments. Yes, provincial education ministries have a part to play and can shepherd this process for sure, but in our opinion not in the actual drafting and passing of a provincial policy.
In navigating the complex landscape of cellphone use in schools, it is essential for parents to look beyond sensational headlines and understand the nuances of the policies being suggested and even implemented. While some advocate for a blanket ban, we believe, based upon good academic peer-reviewed research, that leaning towards a more nuanced and moderate approach is the more desirable option for school communities across our country.
Empowering school districts and individual schools to create policies that suit their specific needs ensures a more flexible and effective approach to managing cellphone use in educational settings. As parents and caregivers, being informed about these policies and engaging in conversations with schools can contribute to creating a balanced and constructive learning environment for our children when it comes to their use of technology in the classroom.
Digital Food For Thought
The White Hatter
