Columbia Valley Pioneer staff

Cell phone restrictions in district schools appear to be having a “positive impact,” according to senior officials.

In a recent report by Rocky Mountain School District No. 6, provincially mandated restrictions on digital devices have led to some interesting results locally.

Assistant Superintendent Steve Wyer noted the implementation of the restrictions this fall was “generally smooth,” with administrators satisfied with the policy.

“Student feedback in multiple settings has been generally positive,” Wyer reported. “Principals are seeing higher levels of engagement in educational settings.”

The restrictions, set by individual schools, limits the use of cell phones in class so that learning is uninterrupted.

Wyer said one school reported that students are doing things such as choosing to read during their free time rather than burying their heads in their phones.

“Principals report reduced instances of online bullying,” Wyer pointed out, adding that one secondary school reported that students feel relieved about not being tied to their social life online while at school.

Another secondary school reported that students have been more “face-to-face” social since the restrictions were implemented.

In the Windermere zone, two principals have established a parent book club focusing on digital safety and appropriate screen use for children. The club has 40 participants.

In the Grade 4-7 setting, Wyer reported there are progressive response models for students who breach the new code. These include warnings and communicating with the students’ parents, and keeping the device at the office for ongoing breaches.

“There have been parent arguments for cell phones from a safety perspective, but these are diminishing in frequency,” Wyer said.

Others report fewer instances of interruptive behaviour stemming from the use of social media during instructional time.

Under the Grade 8-12 setting, Wyer noted a high level of compliance in the classroom. “October has seen fewer instances of non-compliance.”

Wyer also mentioned that the new policy has paved the way for conversations about mental health issues and addictions.

The school district will continue to monitor the new rules.