Achi news desk-
The Alberta government is taking a renewed interest in the use of student cell phones in the province’s schools.
The Calgary Board of Education (CBE) sent an email to parents Thursday afternoon, inviting them to participate in an online survey, on the provincial government’s website.
“In Alberta, and in many other places around the world, the use of student cell phones is increasing. Cell phones have the potential to be powerful teaching aids that, when used appropriately, can enhance learning outcomes. But there are risks and concerns with inappropriate use of mobile phones,” the CBE email said.
“Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides is interested in hearing from parents and families about the use of cell phones in Alberta schools.
“You are invited to share your thoughts in an Alberta Education online survey. Feedback will help inform any potential next steps regarding the future of student cell phone use in schools.
The questions focused on when, where and under what circumstances students should be allowed to use mobile phones in school.
The United Conservative Party (UCP) asked if there should be designated areas in the school for students to use mobile phones.
And should students of different ages have different rules, covering from kindergarten all the way through Grade 12.
It was also asked whether mobile phones in school affected the academic achievement of students.
And is it believed that mobile phones in school increase cases of bullying.
The UCP asked about the general level of concern of the participants regarding the use of mobile phones in schools in the province.
In a statement to CTV News, Nicolaides said the survey followed a previous commitment.
“Earlier this year, I made a commitment to talk more with parents, teachers and others about the use of mobile phones in schools and I am happy to follow through on that commitment,” said the education minister.
“Mobile phones can be used to support learning, however, there are some risks which are of concern to the government.
“Several studies suggest that using smartphones and social media can have a negative impact on mental health, affect adolescent self-esteem and more.
“It is imperative that we take every possible step to combat the growing mental health concerns of youth.”
The survey is open to any interested Albertan.
Parents, teachers and school staff will receive a link to the survey from their local school authority.
And the survey will remain open until May 3.
There will also be virtual engagement sessions for education stakeholders.
“The Alberta government will have more to say in the future, after we finish talking to parents, teachers and other partners,” Nicolaides said.
The CBE also provided a statement to CTV News.
On the survey specifically, the CBE said:
“Alberta Education has asked school boards to share their survey on the use of cell phones in schools. … We have shared this survey with our school communities and will await their next steps on the matter.”
In terms of the use of mobile phones in schools in general, the CBE said:
“The CBE does not have a system-wide mobile phone policy but our schools are able to create their own mobile phone use policies that work for their school communities. A number of schools have phone policies that limit the use of electronics during school hours ‘off for the day’ policies require students to keep phones and other devices in their lockers unless permitted by the teacher for specific learning purposes.
“We support and protect students as they develop online safety skills and learn to be good digital citizens in an environment that is safe, but which gradually broadens their experience. Schools, in collaboration with students and parents, establish guidelines for appropriate use of the internet through their school’s digital citizenship scheme and the appropriate filter level for the school’s context.”
In January of this year, Nicolaides told CTV News that the province did not have an immediate plan to follow others in banning cell phone use in schools.
It was then that he said he planned to “talk more to teachers, parents, students and staff about the use of mobile phones in our schools and use their advice to help inform any possible next steps.”
That was in response to questions about Alberta’s stance after Quebec banned cell phone use in classrooms unless approved by a teacher for educational purposes.
