MONTREAL: Quebec is moving ahead with a full ban on cellphones and other electronic devices in schools, effective from the new academic year. No student is allowed to use a phone or any other electronic device during class time, breaks, or even lunch. The Ministry of Education stated that cellphones are a barrier to socialization among students and can lead to conflict.
The ban includes mobile phones, other communication devices, earbuds, headphones, smartwatches with messaging capabilities, tablets, and music players. Such devices are not allowed anywhere on school premises, including classrooms, the library, and playgrounds. Phones brought to school must be kept in lockers. Exceptions are only granted for devices used for medical purposes. Authorities have warned that those who violate the rule will receive a warning or have their device confiscated. Repeated violations will result in other disciplinary actions as per the school’s code of conduct.
The new ban will apply from the beginning to the end of the school day, including breaks. It will come into effect as of the new academic year. About 400 Quebec schools have already banned cellphones on school property. Meanwhile, some critics and parent organizations have commented that the ban does not address the larger issue of phone addiction.
