"Devices off, learning on!"
As the North Vancouver School District (NVSD) continues to embrace technology to support learning, we recognize the importance of maintaining a focused and safe learning environment for all students. The importance of a focused and safe learning environment has been recently reinforced by provincial guidelines and legislation. With this in mind, we would like to share some updates regarding the use of personal digital devices (PDDs) such as cell phones, tablets, smartwatches, earbuds, and other electronic gadgets within NVSD.
Recent Developments: On January 26th, 2024, the Province announced three actions aimed at enhancing the safety and well-being of students concerning digital technology. These actions include guidelines on the use of PDDs in schools, which will be implemented in the upcoming 2024-25 school year.
Why This Matters: Studies indicate that constant interruptions from digital devices, particularly social media alerts, along with the habit-forming nature of these platforms and the increase in cyberbullying, can disrupt the learning process and impact student welfare, health, and well-being.
NVSD's Perspective: It is not our belief that PDDs are inherently problematic, however as a society we are still learning about the impact of misuse, and overuse on development and well-being. Since the introduction of PDDs in our community, the NVSD has taken steps to manage the use of PDDs in the classroom environment. Beginning in September of 2024, NVSD will be increasing restrictions across all schools, as directed by the Province. Please note that students with specific educational or medical needs outlined in their Individual Education Plan (IEP) or Learning Support Plan (LSP) will continue to use PDDs to support their educational or medical needs.
New Guidelines for September 2024
The following guidelines will be in place for September and part of school Codes of Conduct/Community Agreement:
All members of the school community are expected to leave personal digital devices at home, in their bag/backpack, and/or in their locker during instructional time. Allowances may be made by the staff for instructional purposes, digital literacy, appropriate use based on age and developmental stage, accommodations within a student's Individualized Education Plan, accessibility, medical and health needs, and/or equitable support for learning outcomes.
Elementary Schools: Across all NVSD elementary schools, there is no student access to or use of PDD at any time on the school campus during the school day. This is essentially a “bell-to-bell" restriction from the beginning of school to the end of the day. Parents are reminded that elementary students are always under direct supervision and that the school will communicate with home for emergent needs if they arise.
Secondary Schools: Across all NVSD secondary schools, access to and use of personal digital devices will not be permitted during instructional time. Instructional time is defined as, "instructional time in classroom spaces". At the teacher's discretion, an exemption may be made when the use of such devices supports a specific curricular objective and is part of instructional planning.
Resources to Support: We encourage you to discuss with your child(ren) the safe and responsible use of technology. The following resources may be helpful for these conversations:
Please review the NVSD Code of Conduct/Community Agreement.
