Mobile Devices/Cell Phone Guidelines/Expectations

Mobile Devices/Cell Phone Guidelines/Expectations

As per the Code of Conduct, students are expected to “adhere to the Responsible Use Procedures for Information and Communication Technology (ICT) regarding the use of personal electronic devices (cell phones) in schools/classrooms”. MMR policy aligns with the Ministry Cell Phone Policy. The school/board Code of Conduct and the HDSB Technology & You webpage provides specifics related to social media and cell phone use in HDSB schools. As partners in education, parents are asked to remind their student(s) that cell phone (mobile device) use during class time is NOT permitted, unless used for instruction/learning (under the direction of the classroom teacher), medical, and/or special learning need support.  All classroom teachers remind students of this expectation throughout the semester as needed.  Our school is committed to preparing students for success in a technology-driven world. This includes learning about online digital citizenship, and the importance of safe and responsible ICT/cell phone behaviour.  Continued education and deliberate steps to form healthy habits with cell phones will be key to developing a relationship with emerging technologies that is not a distraction to a student’s learning and daily life. With this in mind, to help reduce distractions during class time, schools across Ontario will be making social media platforms inaccessible to students through the board’s IT network unless they will be used for instruction.