WRDSB outlines cellphone ban policy for next school year

As the school year wraps up, the local public school board is already sending out its plans for next year on how a cellphone ban will impact students.

In September, social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, will be blocked on all school networks, and devices themselves will be banned during class time.

In a release sent to families, the Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB) notes there will be some exceptions to this: For example, if a child has special educational or health needs.

Phones will be allowed during breaks and lunches, but only for Grades 7-12.

Students in kindergarten to Grade 6 will be required to keep phones on silent and out of sight for the entire school day.

The WRDSB said it hopes parents and guardians can review the new rules with their kids over the summer months.

“We know that cell phones are a significant distraction for students at school, especially in the classroom. They can lead to students being disengaged from their learning and isolated from their peers next to them,” reads the release.

The cellphone and social media ban follows an announcement from the province back in April.

Former Education Minister Stephen Lecce said the new measures are necessary steps to improve safety in schools and help students focus in class.