Quebec’s Ministry of Education released an interim report by the Special Commission on the Impacts of Screens and Social Media on the Health and Development of Young People.
With so many things to do with kids in Montreal, from the city's best parks and magical gardens to the highest bungee jump in Canada now open in the Old Port, there is a revolving roster of family-friendly activities to do—a long list of free things to do included.
Worried about the harmful effects of digital distractions on young people's cognitive development and social interactions, the Commission recommended that the government ban cellphone use throughout all school grounds during the academic year, as outlined in a study by Quebec’s Institute of Public Health (INSPQ).
According to a report by the CBC, the report was 15 pages based on the recommendation of a committee that included elected officials from the four parties represented in the National Assembly, and was established in June 2024 by the Quebec government to examine how screens and social media affect youth health and development.
Quebec Education Minister Bernard Drainville said that a decision based on the report will be taken soon.
When did Quebec ban cellphones in classrooms?
In the past, Quebec joined a growing number of provinces with classroom cellphone bans, implementing the policy as of January 1, 2024.
Expanding the ban
The committee is expected to release its final report, complete with recommendations, by May 30, 2025.
The report will examine several key aspects of young people’s digital lives, including:
1. How much time they spend on screens
2. Oversight both in schools and online
3. Access to social media platforms and video games
4. Issues related to cyberbullying and explicit content
5. How minors access pornography
6. Addictive design features in digital apps
7. Advertising aimed specifically at children
What Canadian provinces have banned cell phones in school?
Canadian provinces are adopting different strategies when it comes to cellphone use in schools.
In Nova Scotia and Saskatchewan, phones are banned during class time for all students from kindergarten through Grade 12.
Ontario takes a tiered approach, with rules varying by grade level, while New Brunswick requires students to keep their phones on silent and out of sight during class.
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