Background
On January 26, 2024, Premier Eby and Minister Singh announced cell phone restrictions in schools as one of three important actions to help keep students safe. On July 1, 2024 the Provincial Standards for Codes of Conduct Order, MO 276/07 was amended as per the Provincial Standards for Codes of Conduct Order and Ministerial Order. The amendments require all boards of education to include one or more statements in their codes of conduct about restricting the use of personal digital devices at school, to promote focused learning environments and online safety.
The following Student Code of Conduct statements regarding use of personal digital devices have been created for elementary, middle, and secondary schools within the Greater Victoria School District. The language in these statements were created with feedback from students, staff, and Parent Advisory Councils. Schools may reorganize or expand on these statements to provide detailed or relevant information specific to their individual school communities.
Note: A ‘personal digital device’ is a student owned device that can be used to communicate or access the internet, such as a cell phone, tablet, smart watch, gaming device, and/or electronic toy.
Elementary
Equity must be considered when using and directing the use of personal digital devices in a manner that is culturally responsive and inclusive. Accommodations such as access to a computer or Chromebook can be made for students without personal digital devices who may need access to the internet to complete schoolwork. The use of personal digital devices may support students with disabilities, diverse abilities, or medical needs as outlined in the student’s support plan and Individual Education Plan and/or other agreed upon plans.The use of personal digital devices is restricted during instructional hours to facilitate focused learning and promote online safety. It is expected that personal digital devices are always stored out of sight and on silent or airplane mode (this includes recess and lunch). Students are expected to follow protocols set by their school and/or teacher(s).
The use of personal digital devices during instructional hours is at the teacher’s discretion and direction for the purposes of instruction and promoting digital literacy. Instructional time includes classroom settings, assemblies, guest speakers, field trips, and other events organized by school district staff.
The use of personal digital devices outside of instructional hours is not permitted on school grounds, during field trips, or other school activities.
No photos, video, or audio recordings will be taken of students or staff without consent from the individual or the individual’s parent or caregiver for children 13 years or younger.
The main office phone at the school may be used to make and receive calls if students and their parent(s) or caregiver(s) need to communicate during the school day.
Middle
Equity must be considered when using and directing the use of personal digital devices in a manner that is culturally responsive and inclusive. Accommodations such as access to a computer or Chromebook can be made for students without personal digital devices who may need access to the internet to complete schoolwork. The use of personal digital devices may support students with disabilities, diverse abilities, or medical needs as outlined in the student’s support plan and Individual Education Plan and/or other agreed upon plans.
The use of personal digital devices is restricted during instructional hours to facilitate focused learning and promote online safety. It is expected that personal digital devices are always stored out of sight and on silent or airplane mode to limit in-class distractions and interruptions. Students are expected to follow protocols set by their school and/or teacher(s).
The use of personal digital devices during instructional hours is at the teacher’s discretion and direction for the purposes of instruction and promoting digital literacy. Use during class time is under the supervision of a teacher who may incorporate critical dialogue regarding responsible and appropriate use of devices.
The use of personal digital devices outside of instructional hours is not permitted on school grounds, during field trips, or other school activities.
No photos, video, or audio recordings will be taken of students or staff without consent from the individual or the individual’s parent or caregiver for children 13 years or younger.
The main office phone at the school may be used to make and receive calls if students and their parent(s) or caregiver(s) need to communicate during the school day.
Secondary
Equity must be considered when using and directing the use of personal digital devices in a manner that is culturally responsive and inclusive. Accommodations such as access to a computer or Chromebook can be made for students without personal digital devices who may need access to the internet to complete schoolwork. The use of personal digital devices may support students with disabilities, diverse abilities, or medical needs as outlined in the student’s support plan and Individual Education Plan and/or other agreed upon plans.
The use of personal digital devices is restricted during instructional hours to facilitate focused learning and promote online safety. It is expected that personal digital devices are always stored out of sight and on silent or airplane mode to limit in-class distractions and interruptions. Students are expected to follow protocols set by their school and/or teacher(s).
The use of personal digital devices during instructional hours is at the teacher’s discretion and direction for the purposes of instruction and promoting digital literacy. Use during class time is under the supervision of a teacher who may incorporate critical dialogue regarding responsible and appropriate use of devices.
The use of personal digital devices outside of instructional hours is permitted provided the use does not result in a privacy breach, bullying/harassment, or illegal activity.
No photos, video, or audio recordings will be taken of students or staff without consent from the individual.
The main office phone at the school may be used to make and receive calls if students and their parent(s) or caregiver(s) need to communicate during instructional time.
Greater Victoria School District Code of Conduct: Cell Phones & Personal Digital Devices