Oka Secondary School has implemented a strict cell phone ban throughout the school day, including during breaks and lunch. While teachers report enhanced student focus and increased participation in activities, reactions among students vary widely. Some express frustration over the inability to use their phones, while others appreciate the opportunity for more social interactions. The policy mandates that phones remain off and stored away, with escalating consequences for repeated violations, fostering a device-free environment that encourages engagement.
Oka Secondary School Implements Comprehensive Cell Phone Ban
Since the beginning of the academic year, the secondary school of Oka has transformed into a dynamic environment by enforcing a strict no-cell-phone policy, applicable throughout the school day, including during lunch and breaks. While school staff members report a smooth transition to this new rule, students have varied reactions to this significant change.
Teachers and Administration Celebrate Improved Focus
Special education technician Kathleen Gauthier expressed surprise at the ease of implementation, stating, “We didn’t really know what to expect, but the whole school team took charge of it, and in the end, it’s not complicated at all.” Educators have noted a marked improvement in student concentration during lessons. Math teacher Amina Aramis shared, “I’ve really noticed a difference.” Principal Isabelle Martel is optimistic about the success of this initiative, acknowledging that while some students still use their phones in secret, the majority adhere to the regulations. “We don’t see any phones in the school. The majority respect the rule. So yes, we have achieved our goal,” she affirmed.
Interestingly, the school has not had to resort to using magnetic pouches to secure devices, as initially anticipated. Only a small number of students, approximately ten, have been required to surrender their phones at the reception each morning before reclaiming them at the end of the day.
With cell phones out of the picture, students have discovered alternative ways to engage during lunch. Participation in extracurricular activities has surged, and Friday afternoon dances in the auditorium have become particularly popular. “Our teens have really adapted well,” noted Ms. Martel.
Mixed Reactions from Students
Despite the positive feedback from staff, not all students are on board with the new policy. During a recent visit to the school, many expressed their frustrations. Rose, a 17-year-old student, voiced her dissent, stating, “I am totally against it.” She mentioned that several students have resorted to hiding in bathrooms to use their phones. Common grievances include the inability to easily communicate with parents and friends, listen to music during the day, take photos, and the challenge of finding friends in a large school without their devices.
First-year students are also feeling the impact of the regulations. Twelve-year-old David lamented, “I waited all my elementary school to be able to use my cell phone, now I’m in secondary school and I can’t use it anymore. It sucks.” Many acknowledge they still break the rules but admit they find themselves less attached to their screens.
On a brighter note, some students appreciate the ban for encouraging more interaction. Fourth-year student Béatrice shared, “This summer, I was a bit angry when I learned about this, but in the end, it’s true that we talk more, it’s fun.” Others have found new friendships and activities to participate in without the distraction of their devices. Sixteen-year-old Jérémy, while admitting to his own phone dependency, recognized the potential benefits of the ban for younger siblings: “It might help her… to be less addicted.”
As the school continues to monitor the effects of this policy, a team from the CIUSSS has been assigned to evaluate its long-term impact. “We’ll have the complete report in five years,” Principal Martel stated. “But already, we see results.”
Key Rules of the Cell Phone Ban at Oka Secondary School
The cell phone policy at Oka Secondary School is clear: devices must remain off and stored away from the moment students arrive until the end of the school day, including during breaks and lunch periods. Any student caught using their phone will have it confiscated and can retrieve it at the end of the day. Students who repeatedly violate this rule, typically after three infractions, must check their phone in at the reception each morning. This applies to around ten students out of a total of 1,100. To further reinforce the policy, staff members have also chosen to refrain from using their phones during school hours, setting a positive example for students. Additionally, the school has significantly expanded its extracurricular offerings, leading to an impressive increase in student participation.