Dear DGS Families,

As you are likely aware, CBE is implementing a standardized Personal Mobile Device & Social Media Use in Schools Policy effective Aug. 29. This policy will comply with the Ministerial Order provided by the Government of Alberta this past June. The Order was informed by significant survey feedback provided by families, which overwhelmingly supported introducing restrictions on personal mobile devices in the classroom. At DGS, we implemented an “Away for the Day” policy in the Spring of 2021. Since then, student mobile devices (with the exception of documented medical need) have not been permitted to be on a student’s person from 8:30am until dismissal. By in large, students have been respectful of this expectation.

For students in kindergarten to Grade 9, CBE will use “Away for the Day” guidelines similar to what our school has been using in recent years. Personal mobile devices brought to school including cell phones, tablets, gaming devices, laptops, smart watches, Bluetooth speakers/headphones or any personal electronic device that can be used to communicate with or access the internet must be powered off or set in silent mode and stored out of sight in student lockers or other designated area for the duration of the school day. At our school, the one exception that is approved in advance (by way of this letter) for all learners is related to student-owned laptops and/or chromebooks that are being utilized in the same fashion CBE-issued technology is used. This means cell phones, tablets, gaming devices, laptops, smart watches, and Bluetooth speakers/headphones will not be permitted to be with a student or worn by a student between 8:30am and 2:55pm. This includes items such as air-pod style headphones, Apple Watches, Samsung Galaxy Watches, Fitbits, and Nintendo Switch devices.

If a student is found to be using a personal mobile device in class, the CBE will work with the student to ensure the rules are understood. We rely on good communication and other existing processes to ensure students know what is expected. When necessary, schools will use a progressive student discipline approach in working with students. Our existing progressive discipline practices related to students being found with these items will not change. Our existing response to PMC Concerns attached to this message for your review.

These new rules will apply to all students, with exceptions for students using devices for health and medical needs (such as students with diabetes who use a continuous blood glucose monitor), and to support specialized learning needs if other options are not available.

For students who require access to a personal mobile device for health and medical needs, it is advised that parents complete and submit a Student Health Plan as you have previously done each Fall.

For students who require access to a personal mobile device to support an identified educational need, families should contact their child’s homeroom teacher to discuss this being included as an accommodation or support in the student’s individual program plan (IPP). It is important to note that we are asking families to consider other options such as MP3 players with wired headphones, stand alone e-readers and calculators, and noise canceling headphones in place of access to a mobile device. We want students to be adept at using a variety of assistive technology that does not include the use of a PMD, as there will absolutely be times in life where PMDs simply aren’t accessible.

Regarding English as an Additional Language Learners, we are first asking families to allow us to set their students up with access to basic Assistive Technology that is not attached to a PDM before approaching the school regarding the Exception process.

Additionally, aligned with the Ministerial Order, the CBE will restrict student access to all known social media platforms on the CBE network.

This policy will be in place for the first day of school. However, it is set to be reviewed in December, 2024. At that time, any feedback from schools will be considered before the Administrative Regulation is finalized as of Jan. 1, 2025.

Thank you for helping us to make this transition successful. For further resources, please view additional information on our website.

Personal Mobile Device Progressive Discipline 2024.pdf 

Sincerely,

​​​​​​​Chantal Malette 

Principal, Dr. George Stanley School
Calgary Board of Education | www.cbe.ab.ca
t | 403.817.3556