Changes are coming to all Ontario schools in September 2024 to promote healthy and welcoming learning environments. As directed by the Ministry of Education in Policy/Program Memorandum 128, starting in September, all Ontario school boards will be required to follow the updated Provincial Code of Conduct. This includes all students being required to follow strict anti-vaping and cell phone/personal mobile device use guidelines.
What does this mean for students?
Electronic cigarettes (vapes), tobacco and nicotine products
- Students cannot bring electronic cigarettes (vapes), tobacco and/or nicotine products to school (including school transportation)
- If a student is in possession of an electronic cigarette (vape), tobacco or nicotine product it will be surrendered and disposed of
- If a student is in possession of an electronic cigarette (vape), tobacco or nicotine product, parents/guardians will be immediately informed
The Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017 prohibits smoking (tobacco and cannabis) and the use of electronic cigarettes (vaping) at schools, on school grounds and all public areas within 20 metres of these grounds. Anyone smoking or vaping on school property is guilty of an offence and if convicted may result in a fine under the Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017.
Help is available to quit vaping:
- Not An Experiment:
- Interactive digital toolkit available to help youth, parents/caregivers, and educators/schools learn more about vaping products, current laws, the impact of vaping on health, and supports available for cessation.
Cell phones/personal mobile devices
- Students must not use cell phones and other personal mobile devices, such as a tablet or smartwatch, during instructional time unless permitted by the educator
- During instructional time, devices must be:
- turned off or set to silent mode
- stored out of view
- Students in Grade 6 and below should not use cell phones or mobile devices during the school day, unless permitted.
- Students in Grade 7 and above must follow school rules about using mobile devices in other areas of the school and on school trips.
When students can use a mobile device:
If your child is in Grade 6 or younger, they can bring a mobile device to school, but will only be able to use it before and after school.
If your child is in Grade 7 or older, they can bring a mobile device to school but only use in non instructional time (breaks, lunch, etc) or during instructional time when:
- a teacher says to use it as part of learning, for example, doing research or visiting a specific website
- it’s needed for a health or medical reason
- it supports special education needs
If your child has a medical condition:
The school must provide an exception if your child needs to use a mobile device to support, monitor or regulate their health or medical condition. Contact the school Principal to discuss these accommodations.
Social Media
In addition, students will not be able to access social media platforms on school networks, or on school devices.
What parents/caregivers can do
You can teach your child about finding a healthy balance in using technology by limiting screen time at home. You can also:
- read the Ministry of Education information
- read Media Smarts’ tips for managing your kids’ screen time
- explore Centre for Addiction and Mental Health’s (CAMH’s) services and resources if you have concerns about your child’s use of technology
- explore School Mental Health Ontario resources to help you manage your child’s screen time
Updates to AMDSB procedures
In response to the PPM 128, the following AMDSB procedures are being updated during the fall of 2024:
- Administrative Procedure 351: Code of Conduct. Public consultation on the updated procedure will take place in the fall of 2024.
- Administrative Procedure 352: Progressive Discipline and Promoting Positive Student Behaviour
- Administrative Procedure 140: Technology - Responsible Use and Security