(Montreal) Schools will have to take measures to ban cell phones in all classes by the end of 2023. The Minister of Education, Bernard Drainville, clarified his directive to the school network on Wednesday.
In his directive which was adopted by the Council of Ministers, Mr. Drainville requires that school service centers implement the ban on the use of cell phones, headphones and other personal mobile devices by students on school premises.
Exceptions are provided when these devices are required for educational purposes by the teacher, due to the state of health of a student or for the special needs of a handicapped student or student with social maladjustments or learning difficulties. .
The directive affects vocational training centers and primary and secondary schools as well as centers where preschool education services are provided.
In the document which describes Minister Drainville’s directive, it is indicated that this decision aims to prioritize the educational success of students and their well-being.
“Last August, I announced my intention to send a directive to the public school system to ban cell phones in class. This directive aims to create a climate more conducive to teaching and learning in order to promote the academic success of students,” commented Mr. Drainville in a statement sent by email.
The minister left it to school boards, with the participation of school staff, to define the means to enforce the cell phone ban in class. It is also their responsibility to communicate these terms and conditions to students and parents.
In the event of non-compliance with the ban on cell phones in class, the school service center must take “the necessary means to ensure that appropriate corrective measures are taken by school directors”.
For the 2023-2024 school year, the means implemented to enforce the classroom instruction regarding cell phones must apply no later than December 31, 2023.