The provincial government is proposing that all cell phones and personal electronic devices be barred from being seen or used in all schools and on school grounds.

It comes after a number of jurisdictions introduced similar policies to address what many consider to be a serious and growing problem.

The new proposed policy was released today and comes as evidence mounts regarding the negative effects of cell phone use on students.

The proposed policy quotes highlights from the 2023 UNESCO Technology in Education Report, which suggests a negative link between excessive information and communication technologies and student performance. It also cites use of smartphones in the classroom as leading to students engaging in more non-school-related activities affecting recall and comprehension.

That includes the negative impact on a student’s physical and mental well-being.

The policy proposes that students in K-6 will not be allowed to have personal electronic devices in schools, and students in 7 to 12 who bring a cell phone or other device to school must switch it off and store it out sight.

Feedback is being gathered until December 6th with a final decision to be made in time for implementation in January.