Ban on cell phones in classrooms to take effect soon, local schools prepare

Local schools are getting ready to implement restrictions on the use of cellphones in classrooms, which are to take effect next month.  The provincial guidelines say students can only use mobile devices for educational purposes, health or medical reasons or for special needs. Director of Education for the Renfrew County District School Board, Pino Buffone, says they teach students about respectful and appropriate ways to use devices and manage social platforms.

Buffone says they rely on teachers, staff and students to be sensible when it comes to using devices. The Director of Education says students will be allowed to use cell phones when value is added. He says there hasn’t been many concerns from the local schools, but there are still questions as to how to roll out what the province is expecting.