As you may have already heard, CBE is implementing restrictions on Personal Mobile Devices & Social Media Use in Schools effective Aug. 29. This policy will comply with the Ministerial Order provided by the Government of Alberta this past June based on survey feedback provided by families.

CBE cares about the mental health and well-being of students. Restricting access to personal mobile devices and social media is expected to improve student achievement and learning outcomes. CBE strongly recommends students simply leave their devices at home, because in most cases, personal mobile devices are not needed to support student learning.

For students in kindergarten to Grade 9, CBE will use ‘away for the day’ guidelines similar to what many schools have been using in recent years. Personal mobile devices brought to school including cell phones, tablets, gaming devices, laptops, smart watches, Bluetooth speakers/headphones or any personal electronic device that can be used to communicate with or access the internet must be powered off or set in silent mode and stored out of sight in student lockers, backpacks or other designated area for the duration of the school day.

The impact of CBE’s “away for the day” for Samuel W. Shaw students is as follows:

·       All devices must be kept in lockers

·       All devices must be powered off or set to silent

·       Devices include: AirPods and other wireless headphones, Bluetooth Toques, Apple Watches or other smart watches, gaming devices, tablets, laptops and phones of all varieties

·       Students will NOT be allowed access to their devices during nutrition break, class changes, or at lunch (inside or outside).  Soft entry will also require PDMs to be put away in their lockers.

·       “Away for the day” means the entire school day

If a student is found to be using a personal mobile device in class without permission from the teacher, the CBE will work with the student to ensure the rules are understood. We rely on good communication and other existing processes to ensure students know what is expected. When necessary, schools will use a progressive student discipline approach in working with students.

These new rules will apply to all students, with exceptions for students using devices for health and medical needs, to support specialized learning needs and for educational purposes.

For students who require access to a personal mobile device for health and medical needs, it is advised that parents complete and submit a Student Health Plan as soon as possible, or contact Ms. Sheldrick in Student Services (kasheldrick@cbe.ab.ca).

For students who require access to a personal mobile device to support an identified educational need, families should contact the student’s home room teacher to discuss this being included as an accommodation or support in the student’s individual program plan (IPP).

For English as an Additional Language Learners who require access to a personal mobile device, a new PMD Exception form will be approved by School Administration in conversation with parents/guardians.

Also, aligned with the Ministerial Order, the CBE will restrict student access to all known social media platforms on the CBE network.

This policy will be in place for the first day of school. However, it is set to be reviewed in December, 2024. At that time, any feedback from schools will be considered before the Administrative Regulation is finalized as of Jan. 1, 2025.

Thank you for helping us to make this transition successful. For further resources, please view additional information on our website: Personal Mobile Devices and Social Media Use in Our School.

SWS remains focused on providing safe and caring learning environments for all students.  Thank you for your ongoing support.