Admin

EFFECTIVE:                       September 3, 2024

REVISED:                            August 19, 2026

PURPOSE:                      The Department of Education and Early Childhood Development and Anglophone North School District recognize that technology is a useful learning tool as part of a well-rounded education, including the development of skills and knowledge that will help students succeed beyond school.

Some studies show that the use of cell phone devices in classrooms may have a negative impact on the learning environment for students and staff:
• They may contribute to the distraction and disruption of classroom learning, which could lead to lower achievement for students.
• They may contribute to exposing students to cyberbullying.
• They may contribute to compromising student privacy.

ASD-N strives to find a balance between improving classroom learning focus and students’ sense of connection.

REGULATION:

• The District champions the use of technology when it supports curriculum and learning outcomes. Devices other than cell phones (laptops, tablets, calculators, etc.) should be used first to support learning outcomes. Cell phones shall only be used when authorized by the teacher for a specific educational purpose.

• Teachers shall not permit student use of cell phones during instructional time except to support a specific learning outcome.

• Cell phones must be turned off before entering a classroom and must be stored in a designated location identified by the teacher or school.

• Students in Kindergarten to Grade 8 are not permitted to use cell phones or personal devices during the school day unless an approved exception applies.

• Students in Grades 9 to 12 may use cell phones during non-instructional time, such as breaks and lunch periods, subject to school rules and procedures.

• An exception may be made when a student is directed to use a cell phone by a teacher to support a specific learning outcome.

• Exceptions may be made for medical or health-related needs, accessibility needs, translation supports, accommodation requirements, or approved student plans. Such exceptions should be documented through appropriate school processes, including Health Plans or Personalized Learning Plans where applicable.

• Cell phones and personal devices are not permitted in changing rooms.

• Privacy and Recording: Students shall not photograph, video record, audio record, livestream, or distribute images, audio, or video of another student, staff member, volunteer, or visitor without their knowledge and consent, except where authorized for educational purposes or approved school activities.

• Unauthorized recording, photographing, livestreaming, or distribution of content may result in disciplinary action.

• Compliance is expected across all schools in ASD-N.

• Schools shall develop procedures consistent with this regulation and EECD Policy 311.

• Non-compliance will be addressed by the school and may include warnings, confiscation of the device, contact with parents/guardians, school-based consequences, suspension, or other disciplinary measures consistent with district and provincial policy.

• This District Regulation is intended to support and align with EECD Policy 311. Where Policy 311 establishes minimum standards, ASD-N schools shall comply with this regulation and any related school procedures.

REFERENCES:

• EECD Policy 311 – Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) Use
• Including all appendices.

Additional information may be obtained from the Government of New Brunswick Education Policies website:
gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/departments/education/k12/content/policies.html