The upcoming school year at Oromocto High School in New Brunswick will see the implementation of a new cellphone policy aimed at reducing distractions and enhancing the focus on learning and social interactions. Principal Molly Nugent, who has been part of the school’s leadership for six years, highlighted the efforts made over the past three years to establish a consistent approach regarding cellphone usage.
Previously, cellphone rules varied among teachers, with some allowing academic use of phones. However, the school found that the benefits of using phones in the classroom did not outweigh the distractions they caused. Therefore, the new policy mandates students to power off and stow away their devices at the start of the school day, prohibiting their use during classes and transitions. Lunchtime remains the designated period for phone use, and connecting to the school’s Wi-Fi is not permitted at any time.
Exceptions are made for medical and accessibility needs, such as diabetes management and learning accommodations. Nugent emphasized concerns about privacy violations and the potential for unauthorized photo sharing, prompting the need for stricter guidelines.
Feedback from staff and parents informed the policy’s development, with the aim of fostering a conducive learning environment. While challenges in implementation are anticipated, Nugent stressed the importance of educating students on the purpose behind the policy rather than immediately resorting to punitive measures for non-compliance.
The policy echoes initiatives in other New Brunswick schools, like Saint John High School, which previously enforced cellphone bans during instructional time. The province’s technology policy, Policy 311, also outlines guidelines for cellphone use in educational settings. Parents have been briefed on Oromocto High’s new policy to aid in preparing students for the changes ahead of the school year.
Nugent acknowledged that adjustment to the stricter policy may be more challenging for older students accustomed to using phones during school hours. To gauge the policy’s impact and refine it further, ongoing feedback from students, parents, and teachers will be sought throughout the year. Ultimately, the goal is to create a school environment that promotes learning and meaningful social interactions, offering students a break from constant phone use and a chance to engage fully in their educational experience.
