Quebec's government announced that it will completely ban the use of mobile phones in elementary and high schools starting next school year.

According to the first report by CBC (Radio-Canada), which has been confirmed by The Canadian Press, this new regulation will further tighten the "mobile phone ban in classrooms" that will come into effect in January 2024, expanding to prohibit the use of mobile phones throughout the entire school day, including break times and all areas within the school premises.

Quebec Education Minister Bernard Drainville is expected to officially announce this news later this Thursday.

This measure is the first recommendation adopted by the government following the preliminary report submitted on April 22 by the "Select Committee on the Impacts of Screens and Social Media on Young People’s Health and Development."

At that time, Drainville said he welcomed the report with "great interest and an open attitude."

This transformation has already begun in many places across the country - from Ontario to British Columbia, from Newfoundland to Manitoba, parents, students, and teachers are adapting to this "phone-free campus"新常态. So, how effective has the ban been after nearly a semester? Have students really put down their phones? Have teachers' classes become more efficient?

What do students think?

Ottawa | Ishaal Ali, Grade 12

"Nowadays, people don't leave their phones on the desk; most keep them in their backpacks or pockets," Ishaal said, although some apps have been blocked and can't be used, she believes that older students have stronger self-discipline and can choose when to focus on class more autonomously.

She thinks: "The restrictions should be more targeted at grades 9 and 10 students rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach to all high school students."

Corner Brook, Newfoundland | Liam Sache, Grade 9

"Previously, teachers had inconsistent control over phones; some turned a blind eye, making the classroom atmosphere quite loose." Sache said that under the new policy, if students violate the rules, their phones will be confiscated and parents will be notified, "No one wants their phone confiscated for a whole day or even a month."

He frankly admitted: "I don't fully agree with strict penalties, but I must say, learning efficiency has indeed greatly improved."

Winnipeg | Atlas, Grade 11

Atlas disagrees with the complete ban on mobile phones for high school students. "A lot of information at our school is on the Edsby platform; without a phone, we can't submit assignments or check course information," he said.

He said: "A one-size-fits-all policy doesn't solve real problems; schools should be allowed to respond flexibly based on circumstances."

What do teachers think?

Robin Blanchard, a high school math teacher in Newfoundland

After the policy was introduced, she was surprised by the students' cooperation: "Nobody is sneaking around playing Snapchat anymore; concentration in class has significantly increased, and during lunch breaks, people are more willing to communicate face-to-face."

Jason Bradshaw, a high school science teacher in Ontario

He pointed out that parental support is crucial. "If the message conveyed at home is inconsistent with what is taught at school, teachers' efforts will not be effective either." He also emphasized the value of mobile phones in learning but noted the psychological health risks they bring.

Annie Ohana, a sociology teacher in British Columbia

She insists: "Teachers must retain the autonomy to decide whether to use mobile phones according to course needs." Her students put their phones in numbered bags before class, but sometimes she also uses phones for interactive quizzes or real-time news searches. "The key is reasonable use, not a blanket ban."

Do you support this ban?

Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7499664288396657192/

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