Personal Mobile Device and Access to Social Media

Restrictions To Student Use of Personal Mobile Devices

Board policy addresses the overall expectations for the acceptable use of technology for trustees, all staff, students, parents, volunteers, visitors, and other persons in relation to Board computer equipment, networks as well as personal devices while on Board property or in relation to Board business or Board-related activities. 

The Board aims to balance the benefits of technology with the need to maintain an environment conducive to learning and that limits classroom distractions. It is crucial that schools create a balanced approach to the use of personal mobile devices, ensuring that the educational environment remains focused and respectful for all students and staff. Restrictions to student personal mobile device use applies to all students enrolled in schools under the Ontario School Board jurisdiction, including during school hours, on school property, during school-related activities, and on school-provided transportation.

All members of the school community must not use personal mobile devices during instructional time except under the following circumstances:

• For specific educational activities, as directed by an educator.
• To meet an accommodation through Special Education Services to support specific special education needs.
• For a documented health or medical related accommodation.

Parents/Guardians must contact the school principal to request an exemption.

Grade 7 to 12 students’ personal mobile devices must be stored out of view and powered off (or set to silent mode) during all instructional time as determined by the educator. Kindergarten to Grade 8 student’s personal mobile devices must be stored out of view and powered off (or set to silent mode) throughout the full instructional day.

Where a student has failed to meet the expectations regarding student personal mobile use, the educator must require the device be handed in, stored as designated by school policy and is subject to progressive discipline. Where the student refuses to hand in their personal mobile device when required, they will be sent to the principal’s office and are subject to a range of responses including suspension.

Students are encouraged to leave their personal devices at home. In the event of an emergency, communication to a student or from a student, can be achieved in the main office. The Board is not responsible for lost, stolen or damaged student personal devices.

Access to Social Media on Board Networks and Devices

Access to all social media platforms is restricted on all board/school networks and devices. Social media platforms can only be used by students at school for educational purposes, directed by an educator. The Board understands that some social media platforms may be used by staff in a targeted way for specific learning, pedagogy, and operational purposes.

Social media is generally defined as interactive technologies including websites, platforms and applications that facilitate and enable users to create, share, and interact with content, and to connect and communicate with other users or publicly. Examples of social media platforms and apps include Snapchat, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Discord, and similar services that facilitate social interaction and content creation and sharing. (This ban will not block blogs or SMS).