The Ontario government is investing $47.5 million to enhance school safety and health. New measures will restrict cellphone use and ban vaping in schools. These changes aim to minimize distractions and help students focus on learning.
This year marks a return to normalcy with no pandemic disruptions, offering students a chance for uninterrupted learning and updated courses in business and technology.
The investment includes $15 million for programs supporting students at risk of substance use, $1 million for School Mental Health Ontario to create resources on vaping and cellphone use, and $1.5 million for school boards to engage parents and communities in anti-vaping campaigns. $30 million will be allocated for vape detectors and other security upgrades in schools.
Starting this fall, Grade 9 students must complete a Technological Education credit, and new business studies courses will be available for Grades 9 and 10. Grade 10 students will also receive expanded mental health education. The government has also committed $16 billion over 10 years to support school construction and upgrades, with significant investments already made in new schools and childcare spaces.
The new rules aim to tackle the rising issues of vaping and cellphone use, enhancing student health and academic success. For more details on these changes, visit Ontario.ca/SchoolRules
Written by: K. Milhomens
