This week’s discussion on the cell phone ban policy in schools across some provinces in Canada really got me thinking. The use of mobile technology has become very common among school students, prompting widespread integration into K–12 education. As a result, schools have implemented technology policies that vary from full integration or bring your own device (BYOD) to limited use within specific times and locations and even a complete ban on students’ use of mobile technology, as recently observed in schools across some Canadian provinces.
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For instance, the Government of British Columbia enacted a policy banning the use of personal digital devices (cell phones) in schools in August 2024. The policy aims to reduce distractions in classrooms, support focused learning environments, foster online safety, and promote provincial consistency. Similarly, the provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan implemented bans on cell phones and personal devices at the beginning of the 2024/25 school year. While some schools allow students to use phones during break periods, others only allow students in senior grades to use their devices either before school, during lunch, or after school. This limited access is often extended to spare periods for high school students.
My first question will be, “Why should phones be trending among students in school? I never had access to a phone when growing up until I entered my 2nd/3rd year at the university. Unfortunately, that is not the case for the current generation of students that we have. While I acknowledge that phones can connect individuals to the world and offer valuable learning opportunities when used appropriately, using a phone in the classroom is a NO..NO…NO.. for me. I remembered a situation where a teacher was teaching and writing notes on the board, and a particular learner was busy recording some content in the classroom without the teacher’s consent. It was his laughter and that of those sitting next to him that alerted the teacher to this misconduct.
I have also seen cases of students watching inappropriate adult content in class while teaching is going on. Gone are those days where students, even children, engaged in physical play with one another. The students of today have become so addicted to technology, even at home, and this is causing a lot of mental stress, isolation, anxiousness, and sometimes a feeling of being left out among their peers. I am sometimes of the view that there are many rude, mean, and disrespectful students in schools today because they have access to the same information and opportunities as their teachers, if not even better, leading them to perceive themselves as equals. This, in my opinion, could be influenced by the social content, such as videos and music, that they consume through personal devices.
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I know many schools want to integrate technology in their classrooms but lack the resources. I think schools that are adequately equipped with educational technology could have little justifications in place for students to bring personal devices. On the other hand, schools that lack sufficient educational technology resources need to have clear guidelines, policies, and strategies in place regarding the use of personal technology. Is it truly effective to ban students use of phones in classrooms while permitting it during breaks? Considering that students utilize their phones extensively outside of school, an outright ban in classrooms may not be the most effective approach. In fact, it could inadvertently create more challenges for our education system. Students may not receive adequate guidance on the appropriate and effective use of these devices and their applications. I believe a balanced approach is necessary to address this issue