Another Quebec school wants to restrict the use of cell phones

Oka high school in the Laurentians is far from being the only one concerned about the negative impact of cell phones on young people. In Quebec, the Joseph-François-Perrault secondary school also wants to limit their presence within its walls starting next fall.

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Some students are so addicted that they run to their lockers during breaks to have time to gamer between their classes, says the director, Kino Métivier.

“We really want to restrict the use of cell phones,” he says. We cannot turn a blind eye to all the impacts it has on the lives of our young people.”

Reflection was first initiated with staff members and this orientation has just been approved by the governing board, receiving “unanimous” support from parents.

However, it remains to be seen what restrictions will actually be put in place and how. A reflection committee has been created to explore different avenues and work in collaboration with students and the student council over the coming months.

In an “ideal world,” cell phones would be banned throughout the day, including during breaks and lunch time, says Mr. Métivier. They are already banned in class.

“We would like to give students as much time as possible to socialize with each other,” he said, while specifying that the reflection is still ongoing.

Awareness activities will take place in the coming months, while the committee will consider the new rules to adopt and the changes to put in place so that the transition goes as smoothly as possible.

It will also be necessary to think about a host of very concrete details, such as adding landline telephones in the school so that young people can make calls if necessary.

“We also want to work with parents, to find out their needs and concerns,” adds Mr. Métivier.

The new rules will be known by June.

In Quebec, the Rochebelle secondary school has also banned cell phones at all times since the start of the school year, but only for first and second secondary students.