Rural SD’s talk cellphone ban

Rural communities have a different culture than large cities. So, when a cellphone ban comes out of Winnipeg, what do rural school divisions think?

The province in the middle of August announced a ban on cellphones in classrooms. The directive banned cellphones during school hours for students between kindergarten and Grade 8. For students in Grades 9 to 12, cellphones are banned at all times except lunch and recess.

Some exceptions are available, such as medical or learning accommodations.

The Sun contacted several superintendents in Westman to learn how their divisions are receiving the cellphone bans brought on by the province. Superintendents from the divisions of Rolling River, Beautiful Plains and Fort La Bosse shared their thoughts.

Fort La Bosse School Division

In the Fort La Bosse division, Supt. Barry Pitz said the cellphone ban is being received well by parents and staff. He said students had been respectful in use of cellphones even before the provincial directive, so he expects the ban to go smoothly.

“When the announcement came, we were like, ‘OK that’s interesting. We’re good with that too,’” he said. “I think it will go over very well. I think it will be well received by staff for the most part, and by parents.”

The ban isn’t a massive change from how the Fort La Bosse division already operated, he said. cellphones had not been a major concern prior to the ban.

“Our students have always been very respectful in terms of use of technology,” Pitz said. “But we think this will tidy a few things up … in terms of getting students engaged with one another more without their cellphones.”

When asked about his personal thoughts, the superintendent said the ban is a good thing when thinking about student engagement.

“I do support the provincial directive. I think there needs to be balance. I do think we want to have students engaged as much as possible in class without the use of cellphones, unless it’s used for educational purposes.”

Beautiful Plains School Division

Northeast, in the Beautiful Plains School Division, Supt. Jason Young said the responses to the ban have been less unanimous.

“As with any change or directive there are always mixed reactions,” he told the Sun. “We expect to continue to hear mixed reactions as we work with our students, families and communities to have a better understanding of the directive.”

Young said the school division had a working policy beforehand, but that it needs attention now.

“We are currently in the process of making the necessary changes to that policy in order to have it meet the provincial cellphone directive. Our board of trustees has had the opportunity to discuss the policy changes and we anticipate the policy to receive final approval at our next board meeting.

Young didn’t say whether he supported the ban or opposed it when asked for his opinion. However, he said he understood its intent to reduce distractions and protect children online, and the division would continue to work with students to teach how to responsibly use technology.

“Cellphones and cellphone use is obviously prevalent in almost all aspects of our society. There are appropriate times, places and purposes to use technology and there are times when it may not be appropriate. Prior to the cellphone directive we worked with our students, staff and families to try and ensure appropriate modelling and educational use of technology in our schools. Beyond that, we have tried to provide access to technology for our students when it is required without a great deal of cellphone use. There are still times and places where appropriate cellphone use will occur in the educational setting in Grades 9 to 12.”

Rolling River School Division

North of Brandon, Supt. Jason Cline from the Rolling River School Division said it’s too early to gauge whether the community has responded positively or negatively to the updated policy.

“The updates have only started this week, so I do not have any information to share on this yet,” he said. “I look forward to discussions in the coming weeks and months with students, parents and staff about how these new provincial and divisional guidelines are working for students and staff in our schools.”

The RRSD’s policy, shared with the community last week, mentions any student using cellphones in contravention of the ban would need written approval from the principal.

Cline also felt that cellphones had not been a large problem at the RRSD before the ban.

“RRSD teachers have taught students the appropriate, ethical and responsible use of technology, including cellphones, for many years. We will monitor the changes directed by Manitoba Education, gather feedback from staff to see how things are going in schools and how the new guidelines will help improve outcomes for students.”

Staff will also be bound by similar rules at the RRSD.

“All employee personal electronic devices must be kept out of sight and turned off and/or not used during instructional time and while supervising or working with students, except with the knowledge and approval of the immediate supervisor as a relevant part of the employee’s assignment,” reads the policy sent out last week.

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