Dear Families and students,
The Thunder Bay Catholic District School Board recognizes the importance of fostering safe and inclusive learning environments for all students. While personal mobile devices can be useful educational tools, they also pose significant negative impacts. Navigating digital landscapes is integral to children’s lives as they provide opportunities for education, entertainment, and socializing. However, these devices can also introduce risks such as exposure to inappropriate content, privacy breaches, and cyberbullying. There is also the concern that excessive screen time impacts children’s social/emotional well-being and mental health.
The Ministry of Education
In June 2024 the Ministry of Education released PPM 128 which includes details on the enforcement of restrictions to student personal mobile devices. The details in this guideline outlines Thunder Bay Catholic District School Board’s practice that is in effect.
Students must not use personal mobile devices during instructional time except under the following circumstances:
- for educational purposes, as directed by an educator
- for health and medical purposes
- to support special education needs
Specific expectations and enforcement strategies are outlined below:
Elementary (K-8)
TBCDSB practice requires that students’ personal mobile devices are stored out of view and powered off throughout the instructional day, except when their use is explicitly permitted by the educator under the circumstances outlined above. The K-8 guidelines listed below are reflective of current practice.
- All students in K-6 will store their devices in their backpacks for the full instructional day, except when their use is explicitly permitted by the educator under the circumstances outlined above.
- All students in Grades 7-8 will store their devices in their locker during instructional time, except when their use is explicitly permitted by the educator under the circumstances outlined above.
- Students in Grades 7-8 are permitted to use their personal mobile device during lunch.
If an educator sees a personal mobile device that is not stored in the proper location, they must require the device be handed in for the remainder of the period and the device must be placed, by the student, in a storage area in a location designated by the educator.
Secondary 9-12
TBCDSB practice requires that students’ personal mobile devices are powered off and stored out of view during instructional time, except when their use is explicitly permitted by the educator under the circumstances outlined above.
- All students 9-12 will store their powered off device in one of the following locations during instructional time: locker, backpack, purse, classroom pouch or bin.
- Devices must be stored out of sight and not on the person (ie: not in a back pocket).
- Students in Grades 9-12 are permitted to use their personal mobile device in between classes and during lunch.
Enforcement
In all cases, the student is responsible for their personal mobile device, how they use it, and the consequences of not following this practice on personal mobile device use. The Board, schools and staff are not responsible nor liable for any damage or loss that may occur to devices that are placed in storage as a result of a student infraction.
If the student does not hand in their personal mobile device when required, they must be sent to the Principal’s office. Principals have discretion under PPM No. 145, Progressive discipline and promoting positive student behaviour, to consider a range of responses to address this behaviour including suspension.
Emergency Contact
This ban during instructional time does not limit accessibility to your child in the case of an emergency. Should you require immediate access to your child at any time during the school day, please contact the school’s main office.
Anticipated Impact
In banning the use of personal devices during instructional time, there will likely be significant positive impacts on the school community. Reducing classroom distractions will result in a more focused learning environment that supports the achievement and well-being of all students.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated support and cooperation.
