At the TDSB, we want to support all students to achieve, belong, and thrive by reducing distractions from cell phones and mobile devices and create more focused learning environments in our schools.
The TDSB has revised PR585: Board Code of Conduct to reflect the new Ministry direction around cell phone and mobile device use in all Ontario schools, as per PPM128: The Provincial Code of Conduct and School Boards Codes of Conduct. We are also developing a Cell Phone/Mobile Device Use in Schools Policy, which will play a critical role in supporting student success, belonging, and well-being. To learn more about the policy development and consultation, please visit www.tdsb.on.ca/mobiledevicepolicy.
Below is a summary of requirements for cell phone/mobile device use, effective September 1, 2024.
New School Rules: cellphones, vaping and cannabis – Ministry Flyer English and Ministry Flyer French
All Members of the School Community
All members of the school community must not use personal mobile devices during instructional time except under the following circumstances: for educational purposes (as directed by an educator), for health and medical purposes, to support special education needs.
Students in Grades 6 and Below
Students’ personal mobile devices must be stored out of view and powered off or set to silent mode throughout the full instructional day, except when their use is explicitly permitted by the educator under the circumstances outlined above.
If an educator sees a personal mobile device that is not stored out of view, they must require the device be handed in for the instructional day and the device must be placed, by the student, in a storage area in a location designated by the principal.
Students in Grades 7 to 12
Personal mobile devices must be stored out of view and powered off or set to silent mode during instructional time, except when their use is explicitly permitted by the educator under the circumstances outlined above.
If the educator sees a personal mobile device that is not stored out of view, they must require the device be handed in for the instructional period and the device must be placed, by the student, in a storage area in a location in the classroom designated by the educator.
Responsibility, Progressive Discipline and Best Practices
In line with the Ministry of Education’s PPM 128,
students are responsible for their personal mobile devices, including how they
are used and any consequences resulting from misuse. TDSB schools and staff are
not responsible or liable for any damage or loss that may occur to devices that
are placed in storage due to a violation of school policy.
If the student does not hand in their personal mobile device when required, they must be sent to the Principal’s office. Principals have discretion under PPM145: Progressive discipline and promoting positive student behaviour, to consider a range of responses to address this behaviour including suspension. To support the implementation of the above, the local policy must include:
- An approach to enforcement of the restrictions that includes clear expectations of responsibility for students, educators, principals and superintendents.
- Best practices for educators on classroom management related to responsible use of technology.
- A requirement for schools to have an annual notification sent to parents and students reminding them of the policy, its requirements and consequences for non-compliance.
- A requirement that the expectations and responsibilities under the local policy, the best practices for educators and the annual notifications for parents be shared with all educators and principals.
Restricting Access to Social Media on School Networks (as per PPM128)
- School boards are required to restrict access to all social media platforms on school networks and school devices.
- Social media platforms can only be used by students at school for educational purposes, directed by an educator. School boards can determine exception protocols for the use of social media for pedagogical or work-related purposes.
- The social media ban should not block SMS (text) messages.