Ontario’s Education Minister Stephen Lecce, flanked by his parliamentary assistants Natalie Pierre and Billy Pang, as well as representatives from various health organizations and student groups, made a significant announcement regarding new policies aimed at curbing cellphone use and vaping in schools. The press conference, held in North York, unveiled a comprehensive set of measures to be implemented in the 2024-2025 school year.
The policy changes are a response to growing concerns about the negative impact of excessive cellphone use and vaping on student well-being and academic performance. Minister Lecce emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting student mental health and ensuring a conducive learning environment for all.
Under the new policies, students from kindergarten to Grade 6 will be required to keep their cellphones on silent and out of sight for the entire school day, unless explicitly permitted by an educator. Meanwhile, students in grades 7 to 12 will not be allowed to use their cellphones during class time at all. Additionally, social media websites will be removed from all school networks and devices to minimize distractions.
The announcement comes in the wake of legal action taken by four Ontario school boards against social media companies, alleging that these platforms are disrupting students’ right to education. The government’s response includes not only restricting cellphone use but also addressing the issue of vaping in schools.
According to the new policies, students caught with vaping devices or cigarettes will be required to surrender them to the school, with immediate notification sent to their parents. To support the enforcement of these measures, the Ontario government has allocated $30 million for the installation of vape detectors and other security upgrades in schools.
During the press conference, Minister Lecce emphasized the importance of collaboration and consultation in developing these policies. The government engaged with various stakeholders, including students, parents, educators, and health experts, to ensure that the measures are effective and well-received.
Brady Carballo-Hambleton, representing the Heart and Stroke Foundation as senior vice president, for Ontario and Nunavut , expressed support for the government’s efforts to address youth vaping, citing the significant health risks associated with nicotine use among young people. Dr. Peter Selby from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) echoed these sentiments, highlighting the importance of early intervention and support for students struggling with addiction.
Hayden Lai, York Region District School Board Student Trustee, also welcomed the policy changes, acknowledging the distractions caused by cellphones and vaping in schools. Lai emphasized the positive impact these measures will have on student focus and academic performance.
In addition to the enforcement of new policies, Minister Lecce announced increased funding of $17.5 million to support mental health and well-being initiatives in schools.
Overall, the announcement represents a significant step towards creating a safer and more focused learning environment in Ontario schools. By addressing the challenges posed by cellphone use and vaping, the government aims to prioritize student well-being and academic success. With collaboration from various stakeholders, including educators, parents, and health organizations, Ontario is taking proactive measures to safeguard the health and education of its youth.