Cellphones, MP3 players must be turned off, out of sight in public schools, except on breaks

Cellphones, MP3 players must be turned off, out of sight in public schools, except on breaks

Category

Personal Technology

Mp3 players mp4 players
aThe Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board approved a new policy Thursday night governing the usage personal electronic devices in schools.

Board chairwoman Diane Lloyd said the new policy brings the board in line with the latest directives from the Ministry of Education.

"We are trying to work with staff and students to make sure they are used in a proper manner," Lloyd said. "But we also acknowledge that these new types of devices are the future."

The devices — such as cellphones, MP3 players and wireless handheld communications devices — are still allowed in the board's schools, but must be turned off and kept out of sight, especially during tests and exams.

The new policy sets expectations that the devices will be used only during regularly scheduled breaks.

Students, staff, parents, visitors and volunteers are expected to turn their devices off while in school.

"We're not saying you can't bring one to school, but they have to respect the other students at school," Lloyd said. "If students want to keep them in their lockers and use them at lunch or recess, that's fine.

"It's a policy around proper use. If that policy isn't adhered to there will be consequences."

The decision comes following extensive consultation with students, parents, school councils, teachers, principals, support staff and community members.

The policy also touches on issues of privacy. It states the devices must not be used to capture pictures of other students while at school-related activities to be shared on social networking websites — such as You Tube or Facebook — without permission.
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