Ottawa Catholic School Board building 'broader' technology policy as province announces cellphone crackdown
As the Ontario government gets set to ban cellphones in school starting in September, the Ottawa Catholic School Board is poised to develop its own local policy encompassing "broader technological considerations."
"This proactive stance acknowledges that the spectrum of distractions extends beyond cell phones to encompass wearable devices and AI-enabled accessories like watches and glasses," said OCSB Director of Education Tom D'Amico.
"In the months ahead, we are committed to crafting a nuanced policy framework that not only addresses immediate concerns but also equips our students with the skills and mindset necessary to navigate the digital landscape responsibly. Our ultimate goal remains unchanged: to nurture compassionate and accountable digital citizens who leverage technology for the greater good."
- Sign up now for daily CTV News Ottawa newsletters
- The information you need to know, sent directly to you: Download the CTV News App
Starting in the 2024-2025 school year, students in kindergarten to Grade 6 will be required to keep their phones on silent and out of sight for the entire school day. Cellphone use during class time will be banned for students in grades 7 to 12 unless they're given permission by an educator.
"Staggering numbers, the numbers I've seen with parents supporting the ban because they want their kids to go to school and learn not to be on social media and fiddling around with their cell phones during class," said Ontario Premier Doug Ford while speaking in Ottawa on Monday.
While many agree with the concept in principle, enforcing it is another thing.
"I look forward to him [Ford] supporting people through this, but we're going to spend a lot of time policing cell phones and not teaching," said Karen Littlewood, the president of the Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation.
For so many, including students, technology is ingrained in their everyday life.
"We use technology to do assignments. We use it to do everything constantly, all the time. So it would be really hard just to get rid of it and like limit it for older kids," said Grade 11 student Sophia Ortiz-Chiarelli.
There's mixed reaction to the ban among students.
"It's not a bad idea," said Ali-Youn Gueye. "And it will definitely help people pay more attention in class."
"I think this is a bad idea because many students use cellphones for educational purposes," said Alex Poltavets. "Sometimes I need to Google something for my music piece. Also, I can use my cellphone to Google some words because I am an international student from Ukraine."
Ortiz-Chiarelli said there should be a focus on balance instead of an outright ban.
"A lot of times when kids are done their work or they have free time in class, I think that should be okay to just use your phone then," she said.
Under the policy, teachers can confiscate cell phones from students not complying with the ban and send them to the principal's office. Those repeatedly in violation could also be suspended.
The Ottawa-Carleton District School Board said in a statement, it "recognizes the importance of student mental health and well-being and welcomes targeted supports and resources to do this work. We look forward to receiving detailed information from the Ministry about these announcements to better understand the implementation strategies and available funding."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Woman found dead in Lake Ontario in 2017 matches identity of missing person in Switzerland
Genetic genealogy has helped Toronto police identify a woman who was found dead in Lake Ontario in 2017.
Fish oil supplements may raise risk of stroke, heart issues, study suggests
As an excellent source of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, daily fish oil supplements are a popular way to keep the risk of cardiovascular disease at bay.
DEVELOPING Republican National Committee in Washington evacuated after blood vials received in package
The headquarters of the Republican National Committee in Washington, D.C., was briefly evacuated on Wednesday morning after a suspicious package containing two vials of blood was delivered to the building, the police said.
Private island on Nova Scotia's South Shore listed for $15.8M
A private island on Nova Scotia’s South Shore has been listed for sale with a $11.5-million USD price tag.
'Happy tears' of victim's sister after prison attack on serial killer Robert Pickton
Cynthia Cardinal said she was 'overwhelmed' with happiness when she received a text message on Monday with the news that serial killer Robert Pickton, who murdered her sister, was attacked in prison. She called it 'karma.'
Montreal photographer captures dramatic Canada goose vs. fox fight on video
A Montreal photographer captured the moment a Canada goose defended itself from a fox at the Botanical Garden.
Interpol says more than 1,500 stolen Canadian vehicles identified since February
Interpol says more than 200 stolen Canadian vehicles have been found each week across the globe since February.
Thunderstorms with tornado risk in some areas in Ontario, snow elsewhere in Canada
Canadians can expect a mixed bag of weather, with forecasts warning of thunderstorms, heavy rain and snow in some areas across western Canada.
Judge in Tennessee blocks effort to put Elvis Presley's former home Graceland up for sale
A Tennessee judge on Wednesday blocked the auction of Graceland, the former home of Elvis Presley, by a company that claimed his estate failed to repay a loan that used the property as collateral.