This is mostly about cell phone use but it will also include other personal mobile devices that can be used to perform similar functions (portable gaming consoles, MP3 players and iPods,etc).
Nova Scotia Provincial Directive on Personal Cell Phone Use in Schools
Q & A for Students/Parents/Guardians
Is this Directive just about Cell Phones?
Can the teacher take a student’s phone?
Students will be expected to follow the expectations of their school regarding when and where cell phones and other personal mobile devices may be used.
Teachers are responsible for maintaining a classroom environment consistent with expectations and will ask students to comply. That may include asking the student to leave it with their teacher in a secure location.
If a student is not willing to follow direction, the Principal or Vice Principal does have the authority to ask them to surrender their phone until a parent or guardian is contacted.
What if family or caregiver needs to contact a student?
School Administration are mindful of the fact that urgent information is best shared in a private and supportive environment. The Principal will ensure that school contact numbers are shared and that urgent messages are passed along in a timely and private manner.
What about a child who monitors a health condition using phone?
Exceptions may be made to address students’ individual needs (medical/ability) when determined in consultation with Student Planning Team, that includes parents/caregivers.
Could exceptions be made as part of an individualized support plan?
Exceptions may be made to address students’ individual needs (medical/ability) when determined in consultation with Student Planning Team, that includes parents/caregivers.
Will my child be able to use their cellphones on free periods and during lunch?
Free periods and lunch are part of the school day. Schools will determine if students in Grades 7-12 are permitted to use during breaks, free periods and lunch. Those expectations will be communicated to the school community.
Are students going to get suspended because of cell phones?
Schools will work with parents to reinforce the expectation that cell phones remain off and stored during the instructional day. Individual policy violations will be treated as minor infractions. Schools where similar expectations have already been put in place tell us from experience that suspensions were not necessary to make this change to the school climate.
How can parents/guardians contact their child at school?
Please call the main office. Schools will re-evaluate their communication routines to ensure that important messages are passed along in a timely manner.
If students need to access Google Classroom or to access the internet for research. Can they use their phones for this?
Teachers will work with their school to identify alternate technologies whenever possible. In exceptional circumstances, the teacher may direct students to use a phone if it is part of a planned lesson and no other option is available.
Our school does not have a cell phone problem. Why do we have to follow this?
This Provincial Directive has been established to ensure that all schools are consistent in addressing unnecessary distractions to learning and pro-social interactions in schools. This Directive applies to all public schools in Nova Scotia.
What about special occasions like dances and graduations?
The school-wide expectations will be communicated by the school so that students know what is expected.
My child has high anxiety and needs to be able to contact parents as needed.
Confidential phone calls can be made from the admin office or School Counsellor office. Allowing your student to text during the day is a distraction to their learning and the learning of others.