Restrictions to cell phone use in schools are being welcomed by the Lethbridge School Division.
On June 17, Alberta Minister of Education Demetrios Nicolaides announced that the province is establishing standards to restrict the use of personal mobile devices and social media during instructional time. The changes are aimed at reducing distractions and bullying while maximizing learning time and supporting mental health.
Lethbridge School Division Board Chair Allison Purcell says it is waiting for specific guidelines from the province for the restrictions which go into effect September 1. However, she expects local stakeholders will support the new standards, which will require schools to limit social media access and ensure devices are turned off during instructional time.
Purcell says the need for restriction on cell phone use in schools was something expressed by parents at the school division’s town hall back in February. She says the government has been working closely with school boards across the province to address the issue.