As we see daily in the media, the issue of cell phones is becoming increasingly important. As a school, we have spent a great deal of time over the last year learning and researching the impact of cell phones on students worldwide, as well as best practices. As part of this learning, we have also visited many schools that have adopted a range of different policies with varying success.
What is loud and clear is that research does show that removing cell phones from classrooms has resulted in increased student performance, improved collaboration, happier students, fewer distractions, decreased cyberbullying, increased student engagement, and reduced stress levels. It is also important to note that many of these issues are caused not by the device itself but more the applications it allows, such as social media channels, group chats and other mediums that can allow for addiction and negativity.
It is clear that this is not solely a student concern – it is just as important for adults to be aware of healthy online behaviours and, most importantly, model them for our children. There is no doubt that cell phones and the associated risks are not leaving society, and it is our job as a community to support the challenges and embrace technology's benefits. We are also very aware that this is a divisive topic and that families will have their own rules and expectations in their own homes, and we will always respect that.
What follows is information on how we are approaching the start of this year. As we learn more and work with the students, our approach will develop and adapt, and we will bring you all along with us on this journey as we share learning, expertise and changes.
Cellphone Guidance
Much of the below remains the same as it has been for our students. This information will be shared and reinforced with the students through homeroom teachers and in assemblies and community times.
For Grades Pre-K - Grade 5 (Junior School)
During the School Day: We strongly encourage students not to bring cell phones to school, but if they do must keep their cell phones silenced and out of sight all day. We understand that some students may bring cell phones to school for travelling purposes or arranging meet times, but they must be kept out of sight and silenced.
For Grades 6-8:
During the School Day: We strongly encourage students not to bring cell phones to school, but if they do must keep their cell phones silenced and out of sight all day. We understand that some students may bring cell phones to school for travelling purposes or arranging meet times, but they must be kept out of sight and silenced.
For Grades 9-12:
During the School Day: We strongly encourage students not to bring cell phones to school. However, should they bring them, they will be permitted to use them at points during the school day. At this age and stage, students are learning more about social responsibilities and how to behave as they approach the world, such as part-time work, volunteer opportunities, post-secondary education, and the professional workplace. They are also learning about the responsibilities and nuances of the right time/right place approach for using tools such as cell phones, which, whether we like it or not, will be a feature of their lives outside of schooling. As such, our responsibility is to support their use of these tools and associated social skills. Some guidelines are below for their use in school this year.
-
In lessons, cell phones are not to be used and must be kept out of sight and silenced as they are a significant distraction to learning. Students will be asked to have them out of sight and in their bags or in a space where they cannot offer a distraction.
-
Cell phones will be permitted outside of instructional time, but we will work as a community to build collaborative connections and skills through learning and modelling. Although cell phones are allowed in these times, students will be encouraged to focus on face-to-face connections and conversation rather than through their cell phones. Our teachers are committed to working with the students to model these behaviours in these community times and spaces.
If cell phones are used inappropriately:
Our students are amazing, and very rarely do they not follow requests. In the unlikely instance that this does happen, students will be reminded of the rules and then, if the behaviour continues, will be asked to hand their phone to a teacher or member of our administrative team and will be able to collect it at the end of the day.
How can I contact my child during the day?
We recognize that there are times when you need to contact your child, and we ask that we work together as a community on this. As such, we ask that Parents/Guardians only contact their child during the school day by calling the school's main offices or sending their child an email. Contacting your child on their device during the day, even if it is placed in a bag during class time, distracts them from their school work and the needed in-person interaction and collaboration with their friends and teachers. If your child needs to contact you during the school day, they can certainly access a phone in the school office or through email. We have an excellent main office staff who can relay emergencies or messages very quickly.
Should you need to contact your child during the school day, you can call the reception team.
Junior School: Sarah Hay (+1) 613 - 749 - 6761 ext. 300
Middle/Senior School: Natalie Miskelly (+1) 613 - 749 - 6761 ext. 221
What about iPads, Macbooks and smartwatches?
As new connected technologies emerge that present distractions, we will be mindful of their impact. However, at this stage, we are specifically going to be working on the use of cell phones. As an Apple Distinguished School, we pride ourselves on using technology to support learning and have been delivering learning using the support of MacBooks and iPads for many years. These two devices are also easier for teachers to monitor and do not allow for the ease of distraction as cell phones do. With regard to smartwatches, we do ask that these be set to “do not disturb” or a similar feature on the watch during learning time.
We really do appreciate your understanding and support as our school staff implement these measures which are in place to support the students. Our goal is to continue to create a respectful and productive learning environment for all students while mitigating some of the negative impacts that cell phones and social media have had on children.