General Administration AP 145: Use of Personal Mobile Devices (Cell Phone, Smart Watches, Wearable devices, etc)

Background

Fort McMurray Public School Division recognizes the potential benefits of personal mobile devices for communication, information access, and enhanced learning opportunities. However, to ensure a focused and respectful learning environment, the use of these devices during instructional time will be limited. This Administrative Procedure is implemented in response to the Minister of Education, mandating that all school divisions limit student use of personal mobile devices during instructional time as well as access to social media in schools. The Administrative Procedure aims to balance the benefits of technology with the need for minimizing distraction in learning environments, allowing for growth in student well-being, and the protection of personal privacy and academic integrity.

Definitions:

Personal Mobile Devices: Any electronic device used to communicate or access the internet, including (but not limited to) cell phones, tablets, laptops, smartwatches, wearable devices, and gaming devices.
Instructional Time: Any time scheduled for purposes of instruction, examination/testing and other student activities where direct student-teacher interaction and supervision are maintained.
Non-Instructional Time: Periods during the school day not designated for instruction, such as before/after school, breaks, spares and lunch.

Guidelines:

1. Student Use of Personal Mobile Devices:
   1. To aid in a learning focused room for all learners, students are expected to have their devices powered off, or in silent mode and stored in a location as determined by the Principal (ie: locker, backpack, cell phone storage)
   2. Use of personal mobile devices during instructional time is limited to times explicitly permitted by the Principal, or designate, for educational purposes or as an accommodation for medical or inclusive educational needs.
      1. Refer to AP 316: Administering Medication or Medical Treatment and AP 317: Life Threatening Medical Conditions for emerging medical requirements.
      2. Students may have accommodations that are outlined in their IPP or Learning Support Plan that permits the use of a personal mobile device.
   3. A formal request for exemption must be submitted by the parent and/or guardian, accompanied by documentation from a healthcare provider or relevant specialist.
   4. Approved exemptions will be documented, and teachers will be informed of the necessary accommodations to ensure that the student’s learning needs are met while maintaining a respectful learning environment. All exemptions must still follow all Administrative Procedures for proper use of technology and focus on either supporting their educational or medical needs.
   5. Confiscation of devices may occur if a student fails to abide by this Administrative Procedure.
   6. The Principal may formulate and implement bring your own device procedures at the school site. All student use of Personal devices is expected to follow these guidelines as well as those included in AP 350 and are subject to restorative actions if students do not comply with these procedures as per AP 355.
      
      
2. To ensure the safety, wellbeing and education of students:
   1. Settings such as change rooms, washrooms, and private counseling rooms are device free zones to protect privacy.
   2. Devices are not to be taken into test or examination settings unless students have been given permission.
      
      
3. School Authority:
   1. Schools have the right to regulate the use of personal mobile devices during instructional and non-instructional times, on school property, or during school-sponsored activities.
      
      
4. Security and Responsibility:
   1. The security and storage of  personal devices is the sole responsibility of the owner/user. The school division is not liable for lost, stolen, or damaged devices unless gross negligence is proven.
   2. Temporarily surrendered devices must be securely stored by staff in a manner that allows the students to identify their devices, such as a cell phone hotel/pocket organizer, in plain view.
   3. Violations of privacy, such as unauthorized recording or sharing of images or videos, are subject to following AP140 and AP182.
      
      
5. Social Media Use:
   1. In the ever changing world of social media we will begin with a handful of sites blocked but understand this may change as new sites appear and are in use. To start with we will be blocking; SnapChat, X, Facebook, Instagram, Tik Tok, Discord, BeReal, KIK, Kids Messenger.
      1. Focus on learning during instructional time: Access to available social media platforms is limited to non-instructional periods unless it is part of a teacher approved educational activity
      2. Guidance on Appropriate Use: As we focus on growing our students' knowledge of how to be safe online, they will continue to be educated on responsible social media use, including understanding privacy settings, recognizing the permanence of online actions, and avoiding cyberbullying or inappropriate content.
      3. Responses to Misuse: Inappropriate use of social media, including but not limited to cyberbullying, sharing inappropriate content, or violating others' privacy, may result in restorative actions, loss of device privileges, suspension, or other actions as deemed appropriate by school administration as per AP 355. Parents and/or guardians will be contacted to discuss each incident.
         
         
6. Restorative Actions:
   1. Progressive responses by the Principal for inappropriate use may include verbal warnings, personal mobile device being taken away, and potential requirements that personal mobile device not be brought on school property.
   2. Parents and/or guardians will be contacted to discuss all restorative actions.
      
      
7. Emergency Situations:
   1. In the event of an emergency, such as a lockdown or an evacuation, the Principal will develop and inform the school community of the acceptable use of personal mobile devices in that situation.
      
      
8. Annual Review and Communication:
   1. This Administrative Procedure will be reviewed annually and communicated to parents and/or guardians, students, and staff. The Administrative Procedure will be readily accessible to the school community.