Quebec public schools to ban cell phones in class

Education Minister Bernard Trinville wants to ban cell phone use in class so students can “focus 100%” in the classroom.

“Unfortunately, cell phones have become a distraction in the classroom,” he lamented on Wednesday.

Hours before a meeting of Legault government ministers, he said he would propose adopting a directive banning cell phones in the classroom “except for educational purposes.”

“My responsibility is to promote academic success. […] Therefore, I conclude that the cell phone ban will help students focus and therefore contribute to academic success,” he explained.

Once the order is accepted, it will be sent to the primary and secondary schools in the public network. Until then, the decision to ban these devices (or not) remains the responsibility of the school board.

With his directive, Minister Trinville hopes to ensure uniformity in the approach to cell phones.

On May 30, the Coalition Avenir Quebec blocked a Parti Québécois motion to “regulate the use of cell phones in primary and secondary classes” in anticipation of the start of the school year. The motion noted the “adverse effects of cell phone use in class on student concentration and motivation.”

A few days ago, Mr. Trainville said he is “open to thinking” about the possibility of banning cell phones in class.

A recent survey by the Federation of Teachers’ Unions (FSE) found that 92% of teachers said they were in favor of banning cell phones in the classroom “except for educational activities”.

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