The provincial government established standards for personal mobile devices and social media use in schools to be implemented by Sept. 1, 2024.

RVS is committed to fostering a focused and engaging learning environment. By establishing clear expectations for the responsible use of cell phones, personal mobile devices and social media in schools we can work together to reduce distractions and maximize valuable instructional time. Administrative Procedure (AP) 148: Responsible use of Personal Mobile Devices and Social Media in Schools has been developed and provides clear direction in all RVS schools for students and families. This administrative procedure is in effect as of the first day of school.

RVS teachers and administration teams will work with students to help them understand the expectations of personal mobile devices and social media at school. Families are encouraged to read the new AP and discuss it with their child(ren).

AP Highlights:

• The safest place for students’ devices is at home. Should they choose to bring them to school, they must be out of sight and turned off or silent. Parents/guardians and students assume full responsibility if their device is lost, stolen or damaged.
• Students cannot use their personal mobile device in school during instructional time, unless specially authorized by their school’s administrator or their teacher for educational purposes. This includes any personal electronic device that can be used to communicate with or access the internet. Examples include cell phones, smart watches, laptops and tablets.
• Students with health or medical reasons or special learning needs may be granted permission to use personal mobile devices during instructional time, upon completion of Form AF148A or as indicated in the student’s Individualized Program Plan.
• Students will not have access to social media platforms at school over the school’s Wi-Fi network and are not permitted to access it at school using their own data plans to ensure students remain focused on educational tasks.
• The AP includes progressive consequences that are designed to have teachers and administrators work with students and parents/guardians toward the common goal of limiting distractions and staying focused on learning.

RVS recognizes this will be an adjustment as these changes become part of school life and appreciates the cooperation of all students, staff and families to support focused student learning.

Also see:

• Education Minister's letter regarding restrictions on cellphones
• Ministerial Order: Standards for the Use of Personal Mobile Devices and Social Media in Schools
• Government of Alberta: Cellphone use in schools engagement​
• Government of Alberta: Limiting distractions in Alberta’s classrooms​​