The most comprehensive plan in Canada to restrict student use of cellphones and ban vaping in schools goes into effect this weekend.
The Ontario government will spend $47.5 million to remove the distractions, according to a news release.
“With their constant stream of notifications and pings, it’s no surprise to anyone that cellphones constantly grab our attention," said Jill Dunlop, Minister of Education. "This is why it was necessary to restrict cellphones in the classroom and enable students to restore focus on learning so they can achieve better academic outcomes.”
The new provincewide measures take effect September 1, to "directly counter the alarming rise of vaping and cellphone distractions in schools."
The new rules will help combat the negative impact mobile devices, social media and vaping are having on academic achievement, mental health and physical well-being says the release.
“This school year is shaping up to be the first in years without the threat of pandemic disruptions or negotiations with teachers’ unions. We’re excited for the year ahead where students can look forward to uninterrupted learning, extra-curriculars, and a back-to-basics, modernized curriculum that will set them up for success,” added Dunlop.
The $47.5 million breaks down to:
- $15 million to support the expansion of programs that offer direct support for students who are at risk of substance use and addictive behaviours
- $1 million to School Mental Health Ontario to develop webinars and resources for parents and students to learn how to talk about the adverse effects of vaping and excessive cellphone usage
- $1.5 million for school boards to work with their parent involvement committees to enable parents and community partners to run grassroots campaigns to deter vaping and cellphone distractions
- $30 million to school boards for vape detectors and other security upgrades in schools
“By banning vaping in schools, our government is setting students up for success and prioritizing their health and well-being inside and outside the classroom,” said Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier, Minister of Health and MPP for Dufferin-Caledon.
