STUDENT USE OF PERSONAL DIGITAL DEVICES 

Background

The district believes that students learn best when they are in an environment that supports learning and limits distractions. This administrative procedure follows the expectations as described in the Provincial Standards for Codes of Conduct Order, requiring district Codes of Conduct to outline the use and restrictions of personal digital devices. It provides consistency in restricting student personal digital device use at school, particularly during instructional times, or learning related activities.

The district also recognizes the capacity with new and future technologies to create opportunities for constructive applications that can aid instruction and learning.

The use of these technologies should be balanced by requirements for safety, security, and privacy for students and staff. The restricted use of student personal digital devices creates the necessary space for focused learning and positive interpersonal connections in the classroom with fewer distractions and interruptions.

Student use of personal digital devices will be at the discretion of supervising staff. This regulated and supervised use will be critical in reinforcing responsible and respectful use of technology, and student safety from online security threats and social media. Students who do not comply with this Administrative Procedure may be subject to progressive discipline outlined in the Code of Conduct - Interventions and Supports.

The security and storage of personal digital devices is the sole responsibility of the owner/user. The  
district assumes no responsibility for the safety, security, loss, repair or replacement of these  
devices. 

Personal Digital Device: Refers to any personal electronic device that can be used to  
communicate or to access the internet, such as a cell phone, a tablet, smart watches, gaming  
devices, and electronic toys, and includes the use of earbuds and headphones.

Procedures

Use of Personal Digital Devices

1. The use of personal digital devices should be appropriate to a student’s age and developmental  
   stage. Elementary school codes of conduct take a more restrictive approach, while middle and secondary schools allow for some flexibility and teacher agency in using personal digital devices for educational purposes.

   • Elementary Schools: Little or no use of personal digital devices.
   • Middle Schools: Limited use of personal digital devices is permitted during instructional time for educational purposes.
   • Secondary Schools: Limited use of personal digital devices is permitted during instructional time for educational purposes, and during scheduled breaks.

   Specific information can be found within the Elementary, Middle and Secondary Codes of Conduct which include statements about restricting the use of personal digital devices during hours of  
   instruction.

2. Accessibility and Accommodation Needs

   Personal digital devices may be used to support students with disabilities or diverse abilities as outlined in students’ support plans or Individual Education Plans. This includes the use of assistive technology on personal digital devices at school to support student accessibility, communication, and autonomy

3. Medical and Health Needs

   Personal digital devices may be used to support medical necessities, such as monitoring blood  
   glucose levels for a student with diabetes.

4. Equity to Support Learning Outcomes

   Considerations will be made to ensure personal digital device restrictions do not disproportionately impact some students more than others. For example, computer or cell phone access facilitated by the school district to support students who do not have access to the internet outside of school and who therefore might use technology at school to complete schoolwork.

5. Digital Literacy

   While we recognize the importance of setting restrictions on the use of personal digital devices within our school district, it is essential to emphasize that we still have the responsibility of teaching

   Digital Literacy and Online Safety. Digital Literacy is a critical skill in today’s technology-driven world. We aim to empower our students to be responsible, informed, and ethical digital citizens. By integrating technology into classroom practice and providing opportunities for its use, we equip our learners with skills that encourage productivity, creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration.

   References:

   • BC School Act (Section 168)
   • Provincial Standards for Codes of Conduct M276/07
   • Administrative Procedure 140 – Use of Technology and Information Systems
   • Administrative Procedure 350 – District Code of Conduct
   • Ministry of Education & Child Care – Personal Digital Device Restrictions Support Guide