Quebec elementary, high school students could face a full cellphone ban as early as this fall

A complete ban on cellphones and headphones in elementary and high schools –that’s the recommendation to Quebec’s Ministry of Education from an interim report by the Special Commission on the Impacts of Screens and Social Media on the Health and Development of Young People, released Tuesday. 

“Already in secondary, kids are getting pretty addicted to their phones, and they’re always on it, and we know it’s bad for them,” said Sam R., a Montrealer CityNews spoke to. “It’s a great tool, it just shouldn’t be overused.”

Lily K., another Montrealer, added, “I did have cell phones in school and honestly, I think if I were to change it, I probably wouldn’t have my cell phone in school because it would help me connect with others more, focus on my work.”

Steven Le Sueur, the president of Quebec’s Provincial Association of Teachers, says that most teachers are in favour of the ban, but that enforcing the new rule would be a challenge. 

“It’s a huge distraction. So it’s probably for the best, that there is a ban,” said Le Sueur. “It always falls to the teachers, unfortunately. And that’s where, you know, there’s gonna be that overzealous teacher and the one that doesn’t care, you know, so it’s gonna be an issue for sure.”

Concerned by digital distractions’ negative impact on the cognition and socialization of young people, the Commission urged the government to prohibit cell phone use across all areas of school property during the academic year, according to a study by Quebec’s Institute of Public Health (INSPQ).

Katherine Korakakis, president of the English Parents Committee Association of Quebec (EPCAQ), said she was concerned by the interim report. 

“When you do stuff like taking things away completely, they become punitive measures and don’t really teach children about how to teach, how to use this device responsibly, because it is something that is addictive,” said Korakakis.

Joe Ortona, the chairman of the English Montreal School Board (EMSB), says the decision should be left up to the school, like the EMSB has already been doing for many years.

“This is really looking like micromanagement at this point,” said Ortona. “We really left it up to the schools and whatever they thought was most appropriate, which means it went through the governing boards, and parents were consulted.

“So in some cases it could be a ban from the time that they entered the school until the time that they leave. In other cases, it could be a ban where they have to deposit their phone before they enter into the classroom. So, in every case though, we found that it worked well,” Ortona added.

Quebec Education Minister Bernard Drainville acknowledged the report and said that a decision will be taken soon.

“The recommendation has just arrived. We welcome it with great openness and interest. We welcome it with great openness and interest. Now we’re going to finish our work and get back to you as soon as possible,” said Drainville on Tuesday.

Rapport Commission Spéciale Sur Les Impacts Des Écrans Et Des Réseaux Sociaux Sur La Santé Et Le Développem... by CityNewsToronto on Scribd

Some exceptions to the ban would be allowed, like if a student has a medical condition, a disability, or requires a device for learning purposes. 

“To banish it completely and not be able to bring it to your locker can be a little extreme,” said Alain, a Montrealer.

The restrictions would also include headphones and gaming devices.

Launched in September 2024, the Commission gathered input from nearly 70 experts and organizations, as well as 500 students. A full report is due May 30.

Many questions remain for Korakakis.

“My child, who has special needs, takes the bus. What if something happens? How am I reaching my child? It becomes a safety issue.”