N.L. softens school cellphone policy, rolls out new plan with help from students

Newfoundland and Labrador has finalized its policy around the use of cellphones in schools, and the education minister says students played a key role in creating the final policy. 

It was originally proposed as a sweeping ban of cellphones and most electronic devices in school for students in the K-12 system. Education Minister Krista Lynn Howell said over 13,000 people engaged in feedback — and 40 per cent of them were students.

As a result, the province has modified its policy to allow students to use their devices during recess and lunch when it comes into effect on Jan. 6.

"Given that this is their personal time, I can appreciate that they wanted to have that. I mean, I have my own personal time at lunch, as will they," Howell told reporters Tuesday.

"They did make this change because of their engagement. We had some very well written, very articulate arguments."

Howell said teachers also had feedback around devices at recess and lunch, questioning how viable enforcement at that time would be.

The classroom ban also applies to teachers, Howell said, as they want teachers to show model behaviour.

"We've built a policy that reflects some of the feedback that we've received, and we're aiming to improve the … learning conditions in our classrooms for our students," she said. "Hopefully this is one step in the right direction."

The policy includes a way to record violations against students. Howell says she hopes that will decrease usage over time.

A first violation results in an email sent home to the student's parents. A second violation means surrendering the device for the rest of the school day. A third violation means the device goes to the principal's office where a parent or guardian has to collect it.

However, there are exceptions to the new policy.

Howell says if a device is required for something like translation, an alternative learning plan or a medical need — like glucose monitoring through a smartphone app — they can be used.

She said she believes it will take everyone to enforce the policy and "change the narrative" around the use of devices in schools.

"[We need] to make sure that we appreciate the learning aspect of our classrooms," she said. "Personal devices deter and interrupt our classrooms."