Province Bans Cellphones From Classrooms Come September

If you’re wondering why your Kindergarten student won’t be able to update their Facebook while at school this fall you can thank the provincial government.

In a news release the provincial government has announced that starting in September except for exceptional circumstances cellphones will be verboten in provincial classrooms.

The cellphone ban will be for all students from Kindergarten to Grade 12 but does not effect post secondary students.

Banned cellphones are unlikely to be nailed to a tree but they won’t be allowed in the classroom - photo credit X

“Technology has its place, but too often, cell phones are taking students’ attention away from what they should be learning,” Education Minister Jeremy Cockrill said in a statement.

“This new policy will allow students to be more engaged with their teachers and focused on learning the skills and knowledge they need to reach their potential,” Cockrill said in a release.

There will be exceptions to the new policy.

Cellphones necessary for medical devices and specific learning needs will be allowed.

An example of allowed use would be a medically monitored device that requires a cellphone to operate.

Teachers will also be able to request an exemption from Administration from the policy if cellphone use is required for specific educational needs.

The new policy announcement does not specify where cellphones brought to school by students will be stored during class time.

Saskatchewan now joins other provinces that have enacted similar bans.