On August 6, 2024, the Ministry of Education announced the requirement of Saskatchewan school divisions to develop administrative procedures that ban the use of personal electronic devices during instructional time in Kindergarten to Grade 12, beginning with the 2024-25 school year.
Chinook School Division recognizes the value of educational technology towards improving student learning. In this context, smartphones/personal electronic devices have the potential to be a powerful complement to the learning environment when aligned with responsible use and digital citizenship.
However, a growing body of research points to problematic side effects related to distraction, loss of focus and potential addiction to smartphones. Reflecting Chinook School Division learning priorities of supporting student learning and mental health and well being, the new Administrative Procedure 139 - Use of Smartphones contends that the visible presence of smartphones in classrooms during instruction will only be permitted for grades 9 to 12 when supported by a classroom management plan and approved by the principal. Smartphones/personal electronic devices shall not be used during instructional time for prekindergarten to grade 8 students.
Parents/caregivers will be able to contact the school office to communicate messages to their children as per previous practice. School supplied technology will continue to be acceptable for the purposes of student learning and support.
For prekindergarten to grade 8 students, school administration may also limit smartphones/personal electronic devices usage outside of instructional time including recess and the noon hour. Students in grades 9 to 12 will be permitted to use smartphones/personal electronic devices during breaks and during the lunch hour, and must adhere to all guidelines during these times.
AP 139 - Use of Smartphones contains details on the division procedure. Schools will also share their specific guidelines/expectations with students and families at the beginning of the school year. We value our Chinook families and their cooperation and support of these guidelines is greatly appreciated.
