Cell phones to be turned off in Nova Scotia classrooms

A new policy is coming to Nova Scotia classrooms this fall that will ban the use of cell phones in schools during instructional time.

The plan by Nova Scotia’s Department of Education and Early Childhood Development was released on Thursday.

“Our priority is doing what is best for students, informed by what we hear directly from students, school staff, families and communities,” said Becky Druhan, Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development. “We heard their concerns and, through this new directive, are ensuring students are concentrating on learning and building stronger interpersonal relationships without the distraction of cell phones.”

Beginning this fall, students in elementary, junior high, and high school will be required to turn off their phones and lock them away during class time. Elementary students will have their phones off and stored throughout the school day.

Students in both junior high and high school will be able to use their devices during breaks and over the lunch period, depending on rules laid out by individual schools.

As a result of the change, the department says that all schools will have a process in place to ensure that both students and their parents can get in touch, including during emergencies. Students will also receive instruction on how to use technology safely and responsibly as part of the school curriculum.

The new directive is available here.