Alberta Education is conducting a province-wide survey to gather input from parents and staff about the impacts of cellphones in schools. Feedback on the topic is being accepted until May 3, 2024.

Link to the survey: https://your.alberta.ca/cellphones-in-schools/survey_tools/en

Background: In Alberta, and in many other places across the world, student cellphone use is increasing. Cellphones have the potential to be powerful teaching aids that, when used appropriately, can improve learning outcomes. But there are significant risks and concerns with inappropriate cellphone usage. They can be a distraction to students in the classroom and disrupt a student’s learning and can impact student safety through bullying or harassment.

The purpose of the survey will be to gather feedback on the following topics:

1. What concerns about student cellphone use in schools does your organization have?
2. What does your organization see as the benefits of student cellphone use in schools?
3. What concerns do you have about potential restrictions on student cellphone use in schools?
4. What benefits do you see with potential restrictions on student cellphone use in schools?
5. What concerns do you have about province-wide restrictions around student cellphone use in schools?
6. What benefits do you see in having province-wide restrictions around student cellphone use in schools?
7. Is there anything the department should be aware of if school authorities were asked to amend their codes of conduct to restrict cellphone use in schools?
8. Is there anything the department should be aware of if school authorities were asked to adopt or approve goals and standards to restrict cellphone use in schools?
9. If the department requires school authorities to amend codes of conduct or adopt/approve goals and standards related to cellphone use, how much lead time is required to make this happen?
10. Ontario and Quebec have exceptions to their cellphone use restrictions (unless authorized by a teacher for educational purposes; for health and medical reasons; or to support special education needs.) Would you support similar exceptions if a cellphone restriction were implemented? Are there other exceptions to be considered?
11. Are there any other considerations regarding cellphone use in schools that should be considered in developing a policy?
12. Is there anything else you would like to share about cellphone use in schools?

Note: This survey is being distributed on behalf of Alberta Education. Prairie Rose Public Schools does not have any input into the questions or access to the results. Questions regarding participation can be sent to Alberta Education https://www.alberta.ca/education-guide-alberta-education-contacts