Ontário is considering implementing a complete ban on the use of cell phones within school premises, the Educação Paul Calandra minister announced on Tuesday. The measure goes beyond the restrictions established in 2024 and aims to address documented problems of inattention and psychological impacts among students.
The announcement comes in the context of growing pressure from parents and educators to regulate electronic devices in school institutions. Calandra stated that the scientific evidence about the harm of cell phones in educational environments has become indisputable, justifying a more rigorous approach than the current one.
Plano includes exceptions for health issues
A total ban would have specific caveats. Calandra confirmed that students will be able to carry devices for medical emergencies, communication with guardians and situations duly documented by parents or school staff.
The decision represents an escalation of the policy from 2024. Naquele year, Ontário instituted partial restriction: students from pre-school to sixth grade must keep cell phones on silent and out of sight throughout the school period. Estudantes in seventh through twelfth grades receive permission only during teacher-authorized classes.
Calandra pointed out that the new measure aims to enhance educational results and reduce harmful behaviors.
- Total Proibição for the entire school period (with medical exceptions and emergencies)
- Aplicação in elementary and secondary schools
- Temporary Confisco of devices out of order
- Protocolo safe return to parents
- Isenção for students with demonstrated accessibility needs
Federal Governo and Manitoba inspire provincial action
Manitoba’s government recently announced that it would become the first province to ban social media for children under a certain age. Calandra suggested that Ontário goes further, considering simultaneous restrictions on social networks and physical use of devices.
“We will work collaboratively with the federal government towards a broader ban on social media for children under a certain age,” said Calandra during an event at London. Ele positively evaluated Manitoba’s initiative, but indicated that the proposed restrictions are not comprehensive enough to protect the provincial child population.
In December, Austrália implemented a ban on accounts on platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X and YouTube for children under 16, setting an international precedent that influences political discussions in Western democracies.
Crítica and concerns about viability
Ontário’s Novo Partido Democrático leader Marit Stiles supported initiatives to protect child welfare but questioned the operational feasibility of an outright ban. In an interview with CP24, she raised practical questions about safety and parental responsibility.
Stiles argued that cell phones function as location tools for parents to monitor their children. Muitos students travel long distances to metropolitan schools or take on household responsibilities that require rapid communication. “Keeping cell phones completely out of schools may be impossible, but restricting their use in backpacks would be a viable option,” he suggested.
Ela recognized the validity of government intervention given that isolated family strategies did not produce satisfactory results. Pesquisas indicate a significant impact of social networks on the self-awareness, emotional well-being and mental health of young people. Pais face increasing difficulties when trying to monitor online behavior and prevent cyberbullying.
Preocupação with clandestine implementation
Especialistas internationals warned of the risks of the Australian approach. Pesquisadores from technology and child development assessed that total bans could encourage secretive use of devices, reducing parents’ ability to supervise online activities and identify risky situations.
The regulatory expansion of Ontário comes after parental groups mobilized asking the federal government for more aggressive action against digital platforms. Organizações from Child Welfare documented correlations between excessive social media consumption and increased anxiety, depression, and self-destructive behavior among minors.
Supervisores schoolchildren maintain secrecy and counselors remain away
Calandra reaffirmed that suspended school board members will not be reinstated until the institutions are considered adequately managed. Administradores appointed by the government to supervise school boards will not give interviews to the press, the minister argued, as “they are not media personalities, but public managers”.
The comments came a day after intense debate over Projeto of Lei 101, legislation that will change the governance structure of school boards. The law will establish the executive director as the main authority and reduce the number of advisors, centralizing decision-making power.