Illustration by Rob Dobi
Last fall, governments across Canada enacted policies that restricted phone use in the classroom – with rules varying for elementary schools and high schools. The increased use of cellphones and social media by students has been a source of concern for policy makers, educators and parents. The devices and platforms have been blamed for incidents of cyberbullying, disrupted sleep patterns and the inability of young people to focus.
Cellphone bans in schools seem to be working, but some wonder how long that will last
Now as students return to school, The Globe is checking in on the status of the bans: How effective were they? Were students less distracted in class? Or did they find sneaky ways to use their phones anyway? Did it affect how lessons were delivered? Are these bans really making a difference?
The Globe and Mail wants to hear from Canadian teachers, principals, high school students and parents about their experience with these smartphone bans.
Share your story in the form below or send an email to reporter Samantha Edwards at sedwards@globeandmail.com.
How effective have cellphone bans been in schools?
Last fall, governments across Canada enacted policies that restricted phone use in the classroom. A year later, we want to know what kind of impact those bans have had on Canadian classrooms. Were students less distracted in class? Or did they find sneaky ways to use their phones anyway? Did it affect how lessons were delivered? Are these bans really making a difference? Share your story in the form below.