Image Credit, Mircea Iancu
The Manitoba government has announced a new policy aimed at reducing distractions in classrooms by banning cellphone use during school hours, starting this September. This measure, introduced by Education and Early Childhood Learning Minister Nello Altomare, is intended to create a more focused learning environment for students across the province. The ban will apply to students from kindergarten through grade 12, though the specifics will vary by grade level.
For students in kindergarten through grade 8, cellphones will be completely banned during school hours, including lunch and breaks. High school students, those in grades 9 to 12, will face restrictions during class time but will be allowed to use their phones during breaks and lunch. The guidelines also provide clear direction for cellphone use among school staff and include exceptions for students with medical needs or diverse learning requirements. Additionally, there will be provisions for educational use of cellphones in grades 9 to 12 when directed by classroom teachers.
Altomare emphasized the need for such measures by pointing to research indicating that distractions caused by cellphones can significantly disrupt a student’s ability to learn. According to studies, once a student is distracted, it can take up to 20 minutes for them to refocus on their studies. “We want young people to be able to focus in class so they can learn more and feel confident,” Altomare stated. “These provincial guidelines will give teachers the tools they need to keep students focused and ensure class time is spent on learning.”
The policy also addresses safety and medical concerns. The government is aware that some parents are worried about not being able to contact their children in case of emergencies. However, these issues will be managed through legislation, teachers, and school boards. The guidelines ensure that all risks are minimized, with provisions for emergencies and exceptional cases.
The decision to implement this ban follows similar measures taken by other provinces, such as Saskatchewan, which has already banned cellphone use from kindergarten to grade 12. The success of such measures remains to be seen, but the Manitoba government is optimistic that this approach will enhance the learning experience by reducing distractions.
Teachers who have already experienced cellphone restrictions in their schools have reported positive outcomes. For example, Evan Janzen Roth, a senior years mathematics teacher and department head at Collège Sturgeon Heights Collegiate, shared that the restrictions implemented last year led to increased student focus and engagement. “The restrictions have also increased students’ focus without the distraction of their phones. It has been really nice that the cellphone policy was school-wide so that everyone had the same expectations, and it was quite easy to implement because of that,” Roth commented.
While the policy aims to create a more conducive learning environment, it also raises questions about how these changes will be enforced and whether they will effectively address the underlying issues of student distraction. The Manitoba government, in collaboration with teachers and school boards, will be responsible for ensuring that the policy is implemented smoothly and that any concerns are adequately addressed. As the new school year approaches, students, parents, and educators alike will be watching closely to see how this policy plays out in practice. Whether this ban will lead to a significant improvement in student focus and academic performance remains to be seen, but the government’s commitment to minimizing distractions in the classroom marks a significant step in prioritizing education in the province.
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