WINNIPEG –
An update is coming on Manitoba’s plan for cellphones in classrooms.
A spokesman for Premier Wab Kinew says a policy will be announced this week.
Manitoba became the only western Canadian province that has not introduced plans to restrict cellphones in schools following Saskatchewan’s decision last week to ban the use of the devices in the upcoming school year.
The announcement applies to all kindergarten to Grade 12 classrooms.
Saskatchewan joined other provinces, including Alberta, B-C, Quebec, Ontario and Nova Scotia, that have new policies restricting the use of cellphones.
The bans are designed to reduce distractions and help students focus in class.
Manitoba’s Education Department says right now it is up to individual school divisions to develop and enforce technology-use policies in their schools.
The Opposition Progressive Conservatives say they have heard from teachers struggling to police cellphones on their own in school and say it’s time for a ban for kindergarten to Grade 8.
(The Canadian Press)