Elementary and middle school students will have cell phones completely restricted in the upcoming school year.
The Mission Public School District board of education passed its new technology and cell phone policy in May after receiving public feedback. The policy comes into effect on Sept. 3 as the new school year begins.
Trustees decided to revise the policy after consulting staff, students, parents and the general public. Separate guidlines for the use of technology and cell phones were approved.
Cell phones will be prohibited in both elementary and middle schools, while secondary school students will be permitted to use cell phones during non-instructional time.
In a letter to parents and guardians, MPSD superintendent Angus Wilson said parents can still contact their child via the office.
"This means that elementary and middle school aged students may not use cell phones at school, including during breaks such as lunch. Secondary students will be able to access their devices during non-instructional periods. We recognize that this will be a significant adjustment for many students and their families, as all of us, myself included, often find ourselves under the thrall of our devices," Wilson wrote.
Moving forward, Wilson says Mission schools will work on technical skills of digital literacy while accounting for ethics.
"This will hopefully allow students to navigate the worlds of social media, A.I., and beyond as safely and capably as possible," Wilson said.
In late January, the province asked school districts to develop policies restricting cellphone use during instructional time. Mission opened a survey on the topic in March before revising the policy in May.
