Mobile Devices/Cell Phone Guidelines/Expectations

Mobile Devices/Cell Phone Guidelines/Expectations

Similar to previous years, 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”. Know that our school is already in compliance with the recent Ministry Cell Phone Policy shared with you in the Spring. 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 we head into September, we are asking for your parent partnership to remind your student(s) that they are not permitted to use their cell phone during class time unless used for instruction/learning (under the direction of the classroom teacher), medical, and/or special learning need support.  All classroom teachers will be reminding students of this expectation during the first week of classes. 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 - please see the HDSB central message sent on August 23, 2024. 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