BSD upholds current policy on cellphones

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This article was published 04/06/2024 (594 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The Brandon School Division is upholding its current policy on the use of cellphones and electronic communication devices in schools while monitoring how other regions handle similar regulations, according to Supt. Mathew Gustafson.

This stands in contrast to the Division scolaire franco-manitobaine (DSFM), which implemented a complete ban on personal devices at the start of the 2023-24 academic year.

DSFM Supt. Alain Laberge said its decision has received high praise from teachers and parents, adding the ban was driven by concerns over phone use and its impact on student engagement.

Gustafson told the Sun the existing administrative procedure (6080) in BSD states students are prohibited from using cellphones and other electronic devices within school buildings during instructional hours unless they have obtained prior permission from a teacher or the school administration.

“No immediate changes will be made to this procedure. We recognize that some of our staff and schools find positive uses for this technology,” he said in an interview. “Any changes to our policy will be made thoughtfully and in consultation with students, families and staff to ensure that all perspectives are considered.”

The division’s current stance, he said, highlights a commitment to balancing the potential benefits of technology in education with the need to maintain an environment conducive to learning.

Regarding future changes, Gustafson said the pace of technological change is rapid, and the procedures and policies will continue to adapt, adding that provincial policies are in place in some other provinces.

“We have a policy designed with feedback from families and staff, but we know it will need ongoing monitoring, evaluation and adjustment as circumstances evolve,” he said.

Manitoba Education spokesperson Naline Rampersad said there are ongoing consultations on the issue.

“(Education) Minister (Nello Altomare) continues to have conversations with stakeholders regarding the use of smartphone devices in the classroom,” she told the Sun.

Meanwhile, the Winnipeg School Division is re-examining its policy, which was last updated in 2018, in light of recent studies and technological advancements.

Supt. Matt Henderson expressed concerns about the impact of mobile devices on children’s development and the addictive nature of social media apps.

“We feel there’s a considerable responsibility to teach children not only how to use these devices, but also when not to,” Henderson said.

Louis Riel School Division’s superintendent believes cellphones can be useful in the classroom setting, but admits social media apps are distractions. The division gives discretion to teachers as to whether cellphones can be used during learning periods.

“It is about classroom management,” said Christian Michalik. “Cellphones and laptops aren’t allowed in a classroom if they’re not used to support learning. So, we’re mindful of not leaving it to the student’s discretion.”

While no formal request has been made by trustees or parent groups, Michalik is not ruling out future discussions on the subject.

St. James-Assiniboia and Pembina Trails divisions are in the process of reviewing their policies, by looking at feedback from students, staff and parents, the Free Press was told.

A 2022 report from the Program for International Student Assessment highlighted a strong association between smartphone distraction and student outcomes, with 80 per cent of Canadian students reporting being distracted by other students’ devices in math class. This has prompted various provinces, including Quebec and British Columbia, to introduce strict regulations on cellphone use in classrooms.

Despite these trends, the Manitoba Association of Education Technology Leaders has cautioned against a universal ban. In a letter to the provincial government, the group recommended guidelines that promote the efficient and responsible use of devices, allowing for flexibility among different grade levels, communities and individuals.

» aodutola@brandonsun.com, with files from the Winnipeg Free Press

» X: @AbiolaOdutola