The province has announced that they are seeking the public's input via an online survey on how students should use cell phones in schools which will help inform, 'future government direction' on cellphone use in schools.'

The province noted that in Alberta, like in many places across the globe student use of cell phones is increasing, especially in older grades.

Cellphones are occasionally used by teachers as well as being tools of communication for scheduling school activities, checking transit schedules, as well as staying in touch with families about issues or emergencies. However, the government noted there are also concerns. 

"There are concerns that cell phones can be a distraction in educational environments and can sometimes be used inappropriately within classrooms and schools.  We want to hear from all Albertans, including parents, guardians, teachers and other education professionals," the province stated.

Rocky View School Division policy on cellphones? 

Although there is no specific mention of cellphone use in the Rocky View School Division's Student Code of Conduct, some RVS schools have policies posted online outlining the use of cell phones. 

W.H. Croxford High School Handbook which is available on the school's website states that, 'Cell phones are expected to be out of sight (put away) during classes. All of our classrooms are no cell phone areas unless specifically directed by the teacher/staff member in the space.'

"If you need to contact a student during the school day, please contact the office. The office staff will inform the students by calling down to the classroom or passing a message on through the teacher," the policy continues.

It is also stated that students using cell phones inappropriately in class will be expected to give them to the respective classroom teacher if asked.

"If this policy is contravened, then a student’s cell phone may be confiscated and remain in the office until the end of the day. Further occurrences will result in a parent conference and the phone will be returned to the parent or guardian with the student entering the progressive discipline cycle and a recommendation to leave the cell phone at home on an ongoing basis."

A poster which is on C.W. Perry's school website underlines that students are not allowed to use cell phones in classrooms or during class time. 

​

What does a recent University of Alberta study say about cell phones in younger grades?

Last month, Dr. David Chorney, an Associate Professor at the University of Alberta, in Edmonton, researched the cell phone use among Grade 5 students. According to a news release by the university, Chorney’s study surveyed 264 Grade 5 students across the Edmonton Catholic Schools division.

"I think if people understand the impact that these devices have on kids—which are mostly in my opinion negative for this age group—more can and should be done to think about the necessity of a 10 or 11-year-old having a cell phone," Chorney said.

54 per cent of survey respondents said they had their own cell phone, with half of the remaining respondents saying they expected to get a cell phone within a year.

According to the study using the phone to take and make calls was not among the top reasons students gave for having a cell phone, which centred on playing games and participating in social media.

"As the kids get older, a higher percentage of kids have cell phones, a higher percentage of the kids have data, a higher percentage have access to their phone 24-7, it’s with them constantly, and this leads to potential issues in school, where they’re distracted, where they don’t learn to socialize," he added. 

However, he added that completely banning cell phone use in schools may not be the right path.

"An outright ban could work, but it would take a lot of effort, a lot of undue effort, in my opinion, a fight with the kids, with their parents. I think we can find a middle ground.”

Chorney said that he hopes the study can inform a wider conversation about setting constructive boundaries around digital devices in schools and at home, which should include stakeholders such as teachers, school administrators, parents and the young people themselves.

The province's online survey will be open till May 3.

Send your news tips, story ideas, pictures, and videos to news@discoverairdrie.com. You can also message and follow us on Twitter: @AIR1061FM

DiscoverAirdrie encourages you to get your news directly from your trusted source by bookmarking this page and downloading the DiscoverAirdrie app. For breaking news, weather and contest alerts click here.