Months after cellphone ban, how are students doing?

In September, the Ontario government made it a rule to keep cellphones out of the classroom for students of all ages, including those in high school. 

For students in Grade 7 to Grade 12, cell phones can be used during class only if permission is granted by an educator or if students have special education or medical needs. 

So far, some students say they're coping well without their smart phones in class, since it helps them stay focused. 

Kenlynn Harvie is a Grade 11 student. Going to class without her cell phone has not been very hard, but the limited access to social media platforms like TikTok and Snapchat, has been hard to deal with, she said. 

"I feel like the worst part is that my school kind of banned like TikTok and Snapchat. That's fine during in-class periods [because] it does help students focus," she said. 

"But during lunches it's kind of a pain. That's the biggest issue I've had with it." 

Without the constant need to reach for her smart phone, it's easier to concentrate in class, she added. 

"I do take a lot more hand-written notes in class, [because] sometimes during class, I didn't want to take out a book or something to write in. I would just write it in my notes app or take a picture."

Mental health improving without social media distraction

Research has shown over time how the excessive exposure of social media among children and teens create negative effects on their mental health. 

Prior to the ban, educators across the province made it their primary focus to ensure distractions were reduced in classrooms and the mental-health and wellbeing of students were prioritized. 

Not having to worry about the outside world while at school has been a positive for Samantha Vieira, a Grade 12 student at London Central Secondary School. 

"Just [because] I am not taking [out] my phone all the time, [it] has helped me kind of like not worry too much about what's going on outside of school which I think I've seen a difference in that," said Vieira.

In terms of cyber-bullying between peers, both students say despite it being inevitable in settings such as high school, the limited use of social media and cell phones have made it better. 

"It has been relatively calm around which is very nice to see," said Vieira.