Background and Purpose
The Division believes students thrive and excel academically, socially and emotionally when they are provided a welcoming, safe, and caring learning environment free from the distractions of personal mobile devices and social media. This administrative procedure is created as per the Government of Alberta, Department of Education, Ministerial Order (#014/2024)
Definitions
Personal Mobile Device - includes, but is not limited to any personal electronic device that can be used to communicate with or access the internet such as:
- cell phone.
- tablet.
- computer.
- wearable technology such as smartwatches, headphones, earbuds, etc.
- gaming device.
Instructional Time - refers to the time allocated in the timetable, school day or school year specifically dedicated to delivering planned educational programs and activities directed towards achieving learning outcomes from the programs of study. This includes guest or visitor presentations, school assemblies, or other learning events as determined by the principal.
Non-instructional time - Includes time during the school day where students are not scheduled to be with a teacher. This includes before and after school, breaks, and lunch.
Social media - refers to digital platforms and tools that enable users to create, share, and interact with content and information online. These platforms include but are not limited to Facebook, X, Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok.
Scope
The following administrative procedure applies to the use of student personal mobile devices and student access to social media on the division's network during the school day, and during school sanctioned events, on or off-campus.
Children and students in grades pre-kindergarten to grade 6 are not allowed to use their personal mobile devices throughout the school day.
Students in grades 7 to 12 who bring personal mobile devices to school are required to comply with this administrative procedure.
Those who refuse to comply with this administrative procedure shall be subject to progressive disciplinary measures.
Procedures
General Responsibilities
1.1 Students may not use personal mobile devices during instructional time. All personal mobile devices must be kept in silent mode or powered off during instructional time and stored out of view.
1.2 Students will not have their personal mobile device on their "person" such as in a pocket, jacket, etc.
1.3 Students may not have personal mobile devices in washrooms or change rooms.
Social Media
2.1 Students and staff cannot access social media on wireless school networks or school devices except where division staff use social media platforms for the purposes of communicating school/division news and events.
2.2 Grasslands Technology Department maintains a list of social media platforms that are restricted from divisional networks and/or devices.
Limited Use Exceptions
3.1 Special Learning Needs: Limited use of personal mobile devices is permitted to support special learning needs
3.11 This must be documented within an Psych. Educational Assessment, Individual Support Plan (ISP) and/or Behaviour Support Plan (BSP).
3.2 Medical/Health Needs: Limited use of personal mobile devices is permitted for medical or health reasons.
3.2.1 This accommodation must be supported by a medical professional's diagnosis and must be part of a student's Individual Support Plan (ISP), Behaviour Support Plan (BSP) and/or medical plan.
3.3 Educational or Other Approved Purposes: Limited use of personal mobile devices may be permitted for specific learning/instructional purposes or other approved purposes as determined by the principal.
3.3.1 Teachers will seek the principal's approval to grant access for educational purposes.
3.3.2 A principal may grant teachers the autonomy to use professional judgement to allow the use of mobile devices for educational purposes.
3.4 Emergency Incidents: In the event of an emergency, the principal or designate will communicate acceptable use of personal mobile devices.
Storage of Personal Mobile Devices
4.1 Students pre-kindergarten to grade 6 are not allowed to use their Personal Mobile Devices throughout the school day. Personal devices will be powered off and stored in lockers or designated locations determined by the principal.
4.2. Students Grade 7 to Grade 12 are required to keep their Personal Mobile Devices powered off or silent and stored out of view during instructional time. Principals will direct where devices can be stored. They may direct students to store them in lockers, backpacks or in other designated locations. Principals will communicate these locations to students, staff and parents/guardians.
Restorative Actions and Progressive Discipline
5.1 Students are expected to follow this Administrative Procedure and comply with Administrative Procedure 905 – Student Conduct.
5.2 Restorative Actions/progressive discipline may include:
5.2.1 Verbal reminder and asked to properly store their device.
5.2.2 Conversation with the student and/or parents/guardians.
5.2.3 Repairing relationships through restorative practices and/or activities. (ex. mediation, community service, peer mediation, conflict resolution)
5.2.4 Temporary confiscation, where student may regain access/collect the device at the end of the period, day, or after a meeting with a parent/guardian, as determined by the teacher and/or principal.
5.2.5 Prohibition of personal devices on school property.
5.2.6 Other consequences as determined by the principal, such as:
- Loss of privileges (teams, clubs, field trips, etc.) - Suspension
5.3 Principals can outline and incorporate restorative actions or progressive discipline strategies that consider the student's age, developmental stage, and context.
5.4 When a personal mobile device is confiscated, it will be held in the school office in a secure location. The student's device, name and date will be recorded.
Notification of Parents/Guardians
6.1 Parents/guardians will be notified by the teacher and/or principal when the student is non-compliant or repeatedly refuses to comply with this procedure and/or AP 905 - Student Conduct.
Roles and Responsibilities
7.1 Students Responsibilities: Adhere to the guidelines set out in this administrative procedure and AP 905 – Student Conduct
7.2. Parent/Guardian Responsibilities: Support the implementation of Administrative Procedure 311. Parents can discuss the importance of minimizing learning distractions and support a safe and caring learning environment by ensuring their children comply with the guidelines.
7.3 Staff Responsibilities: Monitor and abide by the administrative procedure within their classrooms and school. Staff are expected to model proper use of their personal mobile devices (cell phones, smartwatches, etc.) and social media during instructional time.
Communication
8.1 This administrative procedure will be communicated by school administration regularly throughout the school year to students, parents and staff. Processes may include student handbooks, staff meetings, student assemblies, newsletters, social media, school advisory council meetings, websites, etc.