Newfoundland and Labrador鈥檚 Citizens Speak Out on Phones in Schools
Department of Education officials collect province-wide input to shape new school cell phone policy
Why was it important for the Newfoundland and Labrador Department of Education to consult its citizens on cell phone usage in schools?
Consultation and engagement are vital for developing strong public policy. As most K-12 students in Newfoundland and Labrador are part of the English public education system, students, teachers, administrators, and students鈥� families needed to have the opportunity to review the proposed policy and provide input as it was finalized.
Consultation on policy can help strengthen implementation. In this case, feedback led to policy changes which will ultimately support adherence to the Responsible Student Use of Personal Electronic Devices Policy.
What did the engagement data show you about how Newfoundland and Labrador鈥檚 citizens felt about cell phones in schools? What surprised you, and what validated your initial views?
The data demonstrated that personal electronic device use in K-12 schools and classrooms interests students, educators, and families in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Educators expressed the need to minimize inappropriate device use during instructional hours. Parents, guardians, and families shared feedback on the impact of devices on student mental health and the need to balance timely communications with their children.
Many senior-grade students indicated that access to their devices during recess and lunch breaks would be helpful as they navigated extracurricular activities, jobs, and communications needs. Leaders considered all feedback when finalizing the policy.
How will the community鈥檚 feedback inform the Department of Education鈥檚 guidelines for cell phone usage in schools?
The most significant change from the draft policy to final implementation was the allowance for intermediate and senior grade students (grades 7-12) to access and use their personal electronic devices during non-instructional times, such as recess and lunch breaks.
This was informed by a large number of parents and students who indicated that access during that time would support communication and scheduling needs, such as students scheduling rides to and from activities or advising parents and guardians of afterschool schedule changes.
What were the biggest wins for the Department of Education in engaging the public on cell phones? What are your plans for future public engagements?
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As leaders develop further consultation and engagement plans for the K-12 English public education system, they will consider using 天美网站传媒传媒, given the high level of engagement during the consultation on the Responsible Student Use of Personal Electronic Devices Policy.
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