On June 17, 2024, Alberta’s government introduced new restrictions on the use of personal mobile devices (PMDs) in classrooms and access to social media sites on school networks, beginning in fall 2024. The following procedures have been developed for École Secondaire Notre Dame High School with respect to the use of personal mobile devices. These rules will apply to all students, with exceptions for students using devices for health and medical needs, and to support specialized learning needs.
- Mobile devices (cell phones, smart watches, laptops, tablets and earbuds/headphones) should be ‘off and away' during all class times in learning communities (this would include masses, celebrations and presentations). Each classroom will be equipped with a spot for students to place their cell phones if students do not leave their device in their locker. The teacher or the school is not responsible for any personal mobile device. If any mobile device is seen or heard in class, the student will be asked to take their mobile device to the office.
- Mobile devices are not to be used in settings such as change rooms, washrooms, or private offices that have the potential to violate a person’s reasonable expectation of privacy.
- PMDs are not to be taken into test or examination settings.
- Delivered devices will be returned at the end of the students school day in the first and second instances. Should there be a third occurrence, a call will be made home requiring a parent/guardian to collect the student's device.
- Future incidents may be referred to disciplinary measures detailed in Administrative Procedure 312 - Suspension and Expulsion of Students.
- Students are still able to use their personal mobile devices prior to school, during lunch, during breaks and after school. We would appreciate it if you would contact your child during these times. In the event of an emergency, parents can contact the school office (403)-342-4800 and we will put you in touch with your student.
- Students will not be able to access any social media sites using the school network or on any school device.
- The Principal may authorize a specific use of a PMD during the school day based on the educational needs of the student or in the event of an emergency. Students being provided PMD accommodations will be outlined in student alerts in PowerSchool.
Many studies and reports point to the negative impact of personal mobile devices/social media on developing brains, academic performance and mental health, including:
- The 2023 UNESCO Global Education Monitoring Report
- Smartphone Bans, Student Outcomes and Mental Health, February 2024
- Jon Haidt, The Case for Phone-Free Schools, June 6, 2023
- Social Media and Youth Mental Health: U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory, 2023
- Cell Phones, Student Rights, and School Safety: Finding the Right Balance, Canadian Journal of Educational Administration and Policy, 2021
- Brain Drain: The Mere Presence of One’s Own Smartphone Reduces Available Cognitive Capacity, April 3, 2017
Definitions:
Personal Mobile Devices: means any personal electronic devices that can be used to communicate with or access the internet or cellular network, such as a cellphone, tablet, computer, gaming device, or smartwatch.
Instructional Time: includes all time during a scheduled period where students are in the classroom, or time outside the classroom where teachers take responsibility for ensuring that learning activities for students are directed toward achieving the outcomes of approved curriculum and instructional support plans.
Non-instructional time: Includes time during the school day where students are not scheduled to be with a teacher. This includes before and after school, breaks, and lunch.