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Cell Phone/Mobile Device Use in Schools Policy

Personal Mobile Device Use in Schools Policy

The TDSB recognizes the importance of fostering safe and inclusive learning environments for all students, and is developing a Personal Mobile Device Use in Schools Policy that will play a critical role in supporting student success, belonging, and well-being.

This work is in response to a resolution of the Board of Trustees (January 31, 2024) and also builds on direction from the Ministry of Education, as outlined in Policy/Program Memorandum (PPM) 128: The Provincial Code of Conduct and School Board Codes of Conduct (issued April 28, 2024).

Development of a new Personal Mobile Device Use in Schools Policy included a pre-consultation phase that was completed in July 2024. The draft policy was developed, following input from school and community partners, and considered legislative requirements, government policy directives, and the Board’s operational requirements. The proposed policy content is also supported and informed by a jurisdictional scan of comparable policies, procedures, and best practices in school boards across Canada and internationally.

The consultation phase began on Thursday, October 10 and includes two live public webcasts to provide information and answer questions about the policy and an opportunity to submit feedback. Review the draft policy here. 

Webcast Information

Webcasts were held on Tuesday, October 22 at 1 p.m. and Thursday, October 24 at 6:30 p.m.

View a recording of the session from October 22, 2024


Submit written feedback here by December 20, 2024!
 


Timeline

April 2024

  • Jurisdictional scan to inform draft policy begins
  • Policy work plan established and shared at Governance Policy Committee for approval
  • Ministry of Education releases a revised PPM128

May 2024

  • Policy work plan shared at Regular Board Meeting for approval
  • Pre-Consultation with staff, and school and community partners begins to gather input on PPM128 (including electronic cigarettes)
  • Pre-Consultation continues for 35 days

June-July 2024

  • Pre-Consultation continues with wider community
  • Student focus groups take place during summer school in secondary schools
  • Board Code of Conduct (PR585) is revised with new information and shared with all stakeholders
  • Jurisdictional scan completed

August 2024

  • Draft policy prepared and shared with internal TDSB committees for input
  • Draft policy and report shared at Governance Policy Committee for receipt

September 2024

  • Revised Board Code of Conduct (based on PPM128) in effect on September 1
  • Public Consultation on draft policy begins (60 days)

November 2024

  • Public consultations end
  • Draft policy shared with internal TDSB committees for approval

February 2025

  • Draft policy shared at Governance and Policy Committee for approval
  • Draft policy shared at Regular Board Meeting for approval


Online Survey
The online survey to share feedback and provide input around the development of the new Cell Phone/Mobile Device Use in Schools Policy is now closed