Here's how Ottawa school boards will enforce the new cellphone ban in classrooms
Cellphones will not be permitted in the classroom this fall, as Ontario introduces new limits on mobile devices in schools.
The provincial government introduced the new cellphone ban to reduce distractions in classrooms.
Here are the new rules for cellphone use:
Kindergarten to Grade 6: Students will be required to keep phones on silent and out of sight for the entire school day, unless "explicitly permitted" by the teacher.
Grades 7-12: Cellphones will not be permitted during class time unless explicitly directed by the teacher. Students will be permitted to use cellphones on school property outside of classes.
As part of the new rules, social media websites, including TikTok and Facebook, will be removed and blocked from all school networks and devices.
- Sign up now for daily CTV News Ottawa newsletters
- The information you need to know, sent directly to you: Download the CTV News App
CTVNewsOttawa.ca looks at how Ottawa's two largest school boards will enforce the new restrictions on cellphones, social media and vaping.
Ottawa-Carleton District School Board
"Cellphones and other mobile devices can cause major distractions in the classroom and disrupt student learning," the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (OCDSB) says on its website.
The board says exceptions to use cellphones in classrooms will be granted for education, health, special education or accommodation needs.
Consequences for violating the ban
"Students who don’t comply may be asked to give their devices to the teacher or the office, to be returned later in the day," the OCDSB said in a statement. "Further progressive disciplinary action will be taken if students repeatedly disobey the restrictions in place."
The OCDSB says if parents/caregivers need to contact their child during the day, they can call the main office of the school and staff will "immediately notify your child."
Social media restrictions
The public board says all social media networks will be blocked on school networks, "to further reduce potential distractions during the school day."
Ottawa Catholic School Board
"Recent research has shown that removing cellphones from K-12 classrooms has resulted in fewer distractions, decreased cyberbullying, increased student engagement, and reduced stress levels," Tom D'Amico, director of education, said in a letter to parents.
The Ottawa Catholic School Board says students in Kindergarten to Grade 6 can only use cellphones during the school day if a teacher allows them for learning, for health reasons or to support special education classes.
For students in Grades 7 to 12, students can use cellphones during class "if a teacher allows them for learning, health reasons or to support special education needs," the board says.
Consequences for violating the ban
The Ottawa Catholic School Board says any student caught violating the mobile devices restrictions must "immediately" surrender the device to school staff.
For students in Grades 7-12 caught breaking the rules, the mobile device will be placed for the instructional period in a storage area designated by the teacher.
Students in Kindergarten to Grade 6 violating the ban will be required to place the device in a storage area designated by the principal for the rest of the school day.
"Failure to surrender the mobile device, by any student, will result in the student being sent to the Principal/Designate," according to the board's Safe, Inclusive and Accepting Schools Code of Conduct.
D'Amico says if students refuse to store their phones when asked, they will be referred to the principal or vice principal, who "may assign school consequences.
Social media restrictions
"The Ministry of Education now requires that social media sites such as TikTok, Facebook, and Snapchat be blocked on school networks and on all Board-owned student devices. However, we recognize that students can still access social media sites using their own devices and/or data plans," D'Amico says.
"As part of our Samaritans on the Digital Road digital citizenship program, we will continue to educate students on the risks associated with social media, the humane use of technology, and using technology for good."
Vaping
Ontario has strengthened the rules for smoking and vaping at schools this fall.
"Students cannot possess or use tobacco products, e-cigarettes (vapes) or nicotine products at school," the Ministry of Education says.
If a student is caught with tobacco or vaping products, the "items must be given up" and parents will be notified.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
TOP STORY What you need to know about COVID-19 as we head into fall
As we head into another respiratory illness season, here’s a look at where Ontario stands when it comes to COVID-19 and what you need to know.
Tuesday's Lotto Max draw set to hit all-time Canadian record of $80 million after no Friday winner
In a Canadian lotto first, the national Lotto Max jackpot has reached an estimated $80 million prize.
More new cars no longer come with a spare tire. Here's what you need to know
Vehicles used to come with a "full-sized" spare tire, but about 30 years ago, auto manufacturers moved to a much lighter, smaller tire, sometimes called a "donut spare." But now, depending on the car you have, it may not have any spare at all.
Son charged with 1st-degree murder after father's death on B.C.'s Sunshine Coast
A 26-year-old man has been charged with first-degree murder in connection to the death of his father on the Sunshine Coast last year.
From an apartment in Vancouver to a storage container near Saskatoon, how 2 teenagers’ airplane finally gets unveiled to family decades later in Ontario
Decades after soaring through Vancouver's skies, spending years in a storage container in Saskatoon, and finally being restored in Ontario, a plane built by hand by two teenagers at the height of the Great Depression will be unveiled to their family for the first time.
Fugitive wanted in connection with Rocky View County murder arrested
Mounties have captured a fugitive wanted for murder and on the run since early August, and it happened while they were working another case.
k.d. lang gets the band back together for Canadian country music awards show
The return of k.d. lang and the Reclines is expected to be a highlight as the Canadian Country Music Association hands out its annual hardware tonight in Edmonton.
What's behind the boom? The Manitoba community that nearly doubled in a decade
For decades, the Town of Ste. Anne was stagnant, but that all changed about 10 years ago. Now it is seeing one of the highest spikes of growth in the province.
NCAA approves Gallaudet's use of a helmet for deaf and hard of hearing players this season
The NCAA has given full approval for Gallaudet’s football team to use a helmet designed for players who are deaf or hard of hearing for the remainder of the season.