Saskatchewan students will be barred from using cell phones during class in K-12 schools. (ID 197053791 © Lincoln Beddoe | Dreamstime.com)

By Teena Monteleone

cell phone conundrum

Banning phones in school not a one-size-fits-all solution: U of S professor

Aug 16, 2024 | 7:14 AM

Like most school superintendents across the province, Garette Tebay is waiting for more directive from the provincial government when it comes to the recently announced ban on cell phone use across K-12 classrooms in Saskatchewan.

In the meantime, Tebay who is the superintendent of schools for the Saskatchewan Rivers Public School Division (SRPSD) in Prince Albert said they’ve been reviewing current admin procedures already in place and school policies that vary across the division.

“We’ve had conversations at the district level with our principals and our vice-principals around current research about cell phone use and screen time with kids and based on that research we have given our thoughts to the schools. But, currently, each of our schools have their own rules around cell phone use within their buildings. So, the next step for us will be to ensure the rules they have align with the new provincial directive.”

She said they hope that by removing some distraction in the classroom, it will help improve focus and student engagement – particularly face-to-face engagement.

Tebay added, “And then just hoping that it will reduce some of that anxiety that can be caused by that constant connectivity.”

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In contrast, Jay Wilson is concerned taking phones away is what will cause anxiety for students and teachers.

“I think it’s going to cause a lot of confusion for teachers. It’s going to cause a lot of anxiety for students, especially those who are very comfortable using their devices and have them with them at all times.”

Wilson is the new principal at the University of Saskatchewan Prince Albert campus. Prior to this role, he spent more than 25 years as a professor of curriculum design and studies teaching education students the areas of media literacy and the application of new technologies in learning environments. He’s not completely opposed to the cell phone ban in classrooms, but he says it’s a drastic move.

“It’s very different than lugging around a laptop. [Cell phones] are a very, strongly integrated part of people’s identity and their social interaction. So, I think it’s going to be something that will really impact people initially,” Wilson said.

“It’s such a controlling part of people’s lives and they sometimes don’t even realize that. And now, this sudden shift is going to be a very significant change in the way they operate on a daily basis.”

To help mitigate what could be a drastic change for some, Wilson said parents should start a dialogue with their kids about cell phone use and healthy habits, if they haven’t already. And, he suggests limiting the amount of time kids are using the devices ahead of returning to school to better prepare them for the impending ban.

“Tell them not to be anxious if they don’t have their phone in the classroom because they’ll have a chance to connect with friends, maybe in person at other times…so, that really open dialogue is going to be an important part of a parent and child relationship as they navigate this ban.”

Wilson thinks a blanket rule is going to be ‘really tricky business’ for teachers. He said every student and every class is different – every year. Some will handle the cell phone ban without any problems, but it may be impossible for others who rely on their phones for educational accommodations.

“The other thing that totally eludes this discussion is that we have really differentiated socioeconomic environments in Saskatchewan. We just assume everybody has a phone and high-speed internet and Wi-Fi, but there are lots of students that don’t have phones,” Wilson said.

He expressed concern for students who lack access to other forms of technology.

“So, we have this privileged group of learners and another group who don’t have the same advantages [like laptops or library resources] and schools are required to come up with a policy or plan…but that makes it more difficult because there are regional differences in terms of enforcing this.”

While the ban may be well-intentioned, some say the focus should be on conversations about responsible usage and how technology plays a role in modern education. Students appear to agree with that sentiment. Tebey said when she consulted with the division’s Students for Change group, they told her if the schools are taking away their personal devices, they need to give the students something back to ensure learning and social interaction doesn’t suffer as a result.

“So, they asked if we are bringing board games into the class or other ways in the class for students to interact,” Tebey said.

Ultimately, Wilson said only time will tell whether the cell phone ban in Saskatchewan schools is worth continuing or modifying to create an environment where the technology is valued more as a tool for learning and not a distraction.

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teena.monteleone@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @princealbertNOW