Alberta’s government is taking a closer look at cellphone use in schools.
To get a handle on the issue, Foothills School Division (FSD) and Christ the Redeemer Catholic Schools (CTR) are inviting parents to complete an online survey on the Government of Alberta website.
The survey will help determine future government policies about mobile devices in schools, the Province said.
A notice on the FSD website says a global rise in cellphone use among students is noticeable in Alberta.
“These devices can serve as potent educational tools that, if utilized correctly, can enhance learning experiences,” FSD said.
But there are risks to having cellphones in the classroom, such as distractions and potential safety issues from bullying or harassment, FSD said.
CTR said students are educated about digital responsibility and safety, and it encourages phone use for educational purposes only.
The UCP government wants to hear from parents and guardians, teachers and other education professionals.
Questions in the survey include whether there should be different rules to cellphone use depending on grade level, what situations students should be able to use their phones in, and whether phones can increase bullying or impact academic achievement.
The survey closes on May 3.
FSD said its schools are currently assessing cellphone use, and Okotoks Junior High and High River’s Highwood High School have cellphone policies in place that have proved successful.
