Should Cellphones Be Restricted in Alberta Schools?
Official title: Cellphone use in schools engagement
Why This Matters
Got kids in school? This affects their daily routine. The new rules limit when students can use phones during class. Parents wanted fewer distractions. Teachers wanted clearer guidelines. Now there's a provincial standard.
What Could Change
The consultation already resulted in Ministerial Order 014/2024, which establishes standards for personal mobile devices and social media in schools. Schools must now implement policies restricting phone use during instructional time, with exceptions for educational purposes, health needs, and emergencies.
Key Issues
- Should cellphones be banned or restricted during class time?
- What exceptions should be allowed for educational, health, or emergency purposes?
- How should social media use be addressed in schools?
What Happened
Over 68,000 parents, teachers, and school staff participated in the online survey between April 16 and May 3, 2024. The Minister of Education also met with the Minister's Youth Council and held virtual engagement sessions with education stakeholders. The feedback directly informed Ministerial Order 014/2024, which established provincial standards for cellphone and social media use in schools.
Key Documents
- Standards for the Use of Personal Mobile Devices and Social Media in Schools (Ministerial Order) (opens in new tab)
- Engagement on Cellphone Use in Schools – Survey and Stakeholder Discussion Analysis (opens in new tab)
- Parent Guide: Standards for the Use of Personal Mobile Devices and Social Media in Schools (opens in new tab)