To promote healthy and welcoming school environments, the LDSB, along with all Ontario school boards, is currently revising its Code of Conduct to reflect new guidelines from the Ministry of Education about cell phone/mobile device use and vaping in schools as per PPM128: The Provincial Code of Conduct.
The regulations, as outlined in LDSB's Code of Conduct, Administrative Procedure 350 and Administrative Procedure 146, are crucial for fostering a safe and healthy learning environment and for mitigating the risks associated with substance abuse among students, and restricting the use of cell phones at school. Additionally, school boards are required to limit access to some social media platforms (e.g. Snapchat, Tiktok, Facebook, WhatsApp, etc.) on school networks and devices, allowing use only for educational purposes as directed by educators.
PPM 128 addresses the critical need for school boards to enforce restrictions on the personal use of mobile devices within schools. This includes ensuring that policies are in place to regulate when and how mobile devices may be used by students, to minimize distractions, protect privacy, and promote an environment conducive to learning.
As directed by the Ministry of Education in Policy/Program Memorandum 128 the updated Provincial Code of Conduct includes the requirement for all students to follow strict anti-vaping and cell phone/personal mobile device use guidelines, starting in September 2024.
In response to the PPM 128, the following LDSB procedures will be reviewed and updated as required during Fall 2024:
- Procedure 146: Digital Citizenship
- Procedure 164: Smoke-Free/Vape-Free Environments
- Procedure 350: Codes of Conduct
- Procedure 351: The Use of Electronic Communication, Social Media, and Mobile Devices by Students
LDSB staff is working with Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox & Addington Public Health to create vaping education and prevention resources. More information will be available for parents/caregivers and students in the 2024-2025 school year.
Mobile devices in schools - what does this mean for students?
Students must not use cell phones and other personal mobile devices during instructional time except under the following conditions:
- For educational purposes, as directed by an educator
- For health and medical reasons
- To support special education needs
When can students use a mobile device: If a student is in Grade 6 and below, they can bring a mobile device to school but will only be able to use it before and after school.
If a student is in Grades 7-12, they must keep their personal mobile devices stored out of sight and either powered off or set to silent mode during instructional time, except when an educator grants explicit permission for use under the specified circumstances.
What parents/caregivers can do: You can teach your student about finding a healthy balance in using technology by limiting screen time at home. You can also:
- Read Media Smarts’ tips for managing your kids’ screen time
- Explore Centre for Addiction and Mental Health’s (CAMH’s) services and resources if you have concerns about your child’s use of technology
- Explore School Mental Health Ontario resources to help you manage your child’s screen time
Vaping and smoking - what does this mean for students?
The Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017 prohibits smoking (tobacco and cannabis) and the use of electronic cigarettes (vaping) at schools, on school grounds and all public areas within 20 metres of these grounds. Anyone smoking or vaping on school property is guilty of an offence and if convicted may result in a fine under the Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017.
LDSB Administrative Procedures 164, 146, and 350 outline the procedures for maintaining a smoke-free and vape-free environment.
What parents/caregivers can do: If your student vapes, help is available to quit. The Quash App is a great place to start. If your student does not vape, now is the time to have conversations about why they should not start.
- Drug Free Kids Canada has a fact sheet with ideas about how to talk to your child about vaping, as well as general information about vaping.
- Resources are available through Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox and Addington Public Health