The provincial government’s new legislation aimed at addressing cellphone use and vaping in schools has given educators lots to think about looking ahead into the 2024-2025 school year.
Chris Roehrig, Director of Education at Huron Perth Catholic District School Board (HPCDSB) confirmed that the issues of cellphone use among students have been longstanding concerns in the education space.
Regarding the provincial announcement clamping down on cellphones and vaping, Roehrig stated that while it wasn’t entirely unexpected, the board had already been proactively addressing these concerns over the past year.
Adjustments were made to the code of conduct and responses to cellphone use and vaping, positioning the board slightly ahead of the curve.
Acknowledging the challenges of enforcement, Roehrig emphasized the need for a collective effort involving parents, students, and staff to effectively moderate technology use in schools.
He expressed optimism about the direction the province’s plan sets and highlighted the importance of raising awareness among administrators and staff.
Regarding enforcement measures, Roehrig discussed existing controls over network services and system hardware within the school board. He mentioned ongoing exploration of vape detection technology but stressed the need to ensure its effectiveness before widespread deployment. He also noted the funding allocated by the province to offset implementation costs, which will be sorely needed.
At the end of the day, Roehrig says that while students are smart, and will figure out a way to skirt rules when possible, it’s the educator’s role to direct those smarts.
In terms of benefits, Roehrig emphasized the potential health benefits of curbing vaping among students and highlighted the importance of promoting responsible technology use to safeguard mental health and enhance classroom focus.
Written by: B. Shakyaver
