Students across Ontario will have to keep their cellphones in their backpacks while in class starting Monday.
The provincial government announced the ban earlier this year which will restrict students' cellphone or personal mobile device usage during instructional time at school.
“When in class, students should be focused on their studies, not their social media,” Minister of Education Stephen Lecce said in a statement. “That’s why we are restricting cellphones and other personal mobile devices in the classroom, while making sure technology is available to help students achieve success in the digital economy and modern workforce.”
Students who need their device for health and medical purposes, for special education needs or for educational purposes will be allowed to use their cellphones with permission from a teacher.
The results of education reform consultations showed that 97 per cent of students, parents, and teachers agreed that cellphone restrictions needed to be put into effect, according to the provincial government.
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With files from Miranda Chant