Manitoba students will be going back to school in less than three weeks, and when they do there will be a big change to the rules about cell phones in the classroom.
The province announced today they have brought in a ban on cell phones in schools for all kids from kindergarten to grade 8, including during lunch breaks. Those in grades 9 to 12 will still have access to their phones during breaks but will be banned from using them in the classroom.
Both bans will take effect as soon as kids return to school in September for this coming year.
“We want young people to be able to focus in class so they can learn more and feel confident. We know cellphones can be a real distraction for students – studies show it can take up to 20 minutes for a child to refocus on what they were learning once distracted,” Education and Early Childhood Learning Minister Nello Altomare said. “These provincial guidelines will give teachers the tools they need to keep students focused and ensure class time is spent on learning. Plus, we will take safety and medical concerns into account so all risks are minimized.”
School divisions will also have “clear direction for cell phone use in classrooms for school staff” according to a provincial release. They will have exceptions for students with “medical and diverse learning needs”. There will also be select exceptions in grades 9 to 12 when cell phones are used for learning opportunities guided by teachers.
Altomare added under the Public Schools Act, school divisions are required to establish use of technology policies tailored to local needs.
