School board trustee Brad Toone
Students across Livingstone Range School Division may not have the distraction of cell phones, smart watches and other devices in the classroom.
The school board is developing a policy to limit use of personal communication devices in classrooms.
“I think it’s prudent that we do everything we can to set our students up for success,” trustee Brad Toone said. “This could have a huge impact on doing so.”
Toone introduced a motion to develop a policy during the board’s April 22 meeting at the G.R. Davis Administration Building in Fort Macleod.
In the preamble to his motion, Toone said the use of personal communication devices by students has become ubiquitous, impacting their learning environment, social interactions, and mental health.
Studies have shown the detrimental effects on students’ academic performance and mental well-being.
Toone said a Canadian Paediatric Society study found prolonged screen time is associated with decreased cognitive function, poor sleep quality, and increased risk of anxiety and depression among adolescents.
Research by the American Psychological Association linked excessive cell phone use to decreased attention span, lower academic achievement, and heightened stress levels in students.
Toone said the school board can set students up for success with a well-developed policy.
“I was hoping it would spark some curiosity for trustees to look further into this,” Toone said.
Toone explained that he and trustee Carla Gimber were at a school council meeting where cell phone use was discussed.
Toone said extensive research has supported banning cell phone use by students during the school day.
“There is a lot of definitive information out there that shows how much of a benefit this is to students,” Toone said.
Toone said research shows cell phone use is detrimental to students’ mental health and well-being, and negatively impacts their achievement.
“I’m excited to have this discussion today on bringing something forward today that the trustees can support to have a positive impact on learning in all our schools across the division,” Toone said.
Research has shown cell phone use in schools has a consistently negative impact on students.
A recent survey Toone saw revealed 80 per cent of Canadians support removing cell phones from classrooms.
“I can recognize that locally in discussions that we have,” Toone said.
A study conducted in Canadian schools found students who were not allowed to use cell phones during school hours demonstrated higher academic performance and reported lower levels of stress.
In the U.S., schools that implemented similar policies reported significant improvements in student behaviour, reduced incidents of cyber-bullying, and increased student engagement in extracurricular activities
Toone noted Elk Island Public School Division has had a policy banning cell phones from classrooms since 2018.
“It’s not new,” Toone said of the practice.
Ontario, Quebec and British Columbia all have provincial mandates on the subject.
The Alberta government plans to have a discussion on the topic as well.
“To me that helps affirm that things are happening all across the province, the country and the globe,” Toone said.
Trustees voted to have a special meeting to discuss the policy.
“I do think this is something that will positively impact our school community,” school board vice-chair Lacey Poytress said.
