Overview

• The new rule prohibits personal phones for elementary and high school students throughout the entire school day, including breaks and lunch, across public and private schools.
• The policy follows a recommendation from a provincial special committee that studied youth screen time and advised broader limits to reduce exposure during school hours.
• Specialists say initial anxiety, frustration and pushback are likely, and they advise parents to listen, validate feelings and expect short-term behavioral reactions.
• Guidance includes establishing how to reach students through school channels, encouraging face-to-face activities during downtime, and preserving family rituals at home instead of granting extra screen time.
• Students who used phones for calendars, messaging, Google Classroom and photos may need alternatives, with at least one senior planning to ask teachers to allow a small digital camera.