It’s a step that the Ontario government says will remove distractions and encourage students to focus their attention on learning. A new cellphone ban will be in effect when classes resume next week. Students in kindergarten to Grade 6 will be asked to keep their phones on silent and out of sight for the entire day, unless permitted by an educator. Students in Grades 7 and 12 will be permitted to use cellphones on school property but only outside of class time.
“With their constant stream of notifications and pings, it’s no surprise to anyone that cellphones constantly grab our attention. This is why it was necessary to restrict cellphones in the classroom and enable students to restore focus on learning so they can achieve better academic outcomes,” said Jill Dunlop, Minister of Education. “This school year is shaping up to be the first in years without the threat of pandemic disruptions or negotiations with teachers’ unions. We’re excited for the year ahead where students can look forward to uninterrupted learning, extra-curriculars and a back-to-basics, modernized curriculum that will set them up for success.”
As part of the new policy, social media sites will also be blocked on all school networks and devices. Students will be allowed to use cell phones during class time if it is for a legitimate educational purpose but that will be up to the discretion of teachers.
The Ford government is also taking aim at vaping at school with stricter rules stipulating that any student caught using or carrying vapes or cigarettes be asked to surrender the product and that their parents be “immediately” notified. The government is investing $30 million to help school boards pay for vape detectors and other security upgrades.
“By banning vaping in schools, our government is setting students up for success and prioritizing their health and well-being inside and outside the classroom,” said Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier, Minister of Health and MPP for Dufferin-Caledon. “We are also reminding parents to keep their kids up to date on all routine vaccinations this school year to ensure our schools and communities remain safe for everyone.”
A total of $15 million has also been set aside to support the expansion of programs that offer direct supports to students who are at risk of substance use and addictive behaviours. $1 million has been dedicated to School Mental Health Ontario to develop webinars and resources for parents and students to learn how to talk about
Also this fall, there will be a new graduation requirement and several new courses for Grade 9 and 10 students:
- Grade 9 students will be required to earn a Grade 9 or 10 Technological Education credit as part of their Ontario Secondary School Diploma. These courses will allow students to explore and apply fundamental technological concepts as well as the engineering design process.
- Two experiential courses in Business Studies for students in Grades 9 and 10 will help students to develop an entrepreneurial mindset, learn the importance of taking initiative, find creative solutions to issues as well as learn how to start and run a business.
- For Grade 10 students, mandatory learning on mental health literacy has been expanded in the Career Studies course. Students will learn how to recognize the signs of being overwhelmed as well as where to find help locally when needed.
