When the school bell rings next week, cellphones will be silenced in Ontario classrooms.
The province's new education minister, Jill Dunlop, held her first news conference on Thursday since taking over the portfolio, and reaffirmed the government's move to restrict the use of cellphones in schools.
"To keep kids focused on learning in classrooms, not on cell notifications," Dunlop said.
For students in kindergarten to grade six, the minister said cellphones will be banned for the full instructional day. Students in grades seven and up "will be required to turn off their mobile devices or set them to silent mode and keep them out of view when they're in the classroom."
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However, kids in grades seven to 12 will be allowed to use their devices during breaks.
Dunlop added that students who need their mobile device for special education needs or for monitoring medical conditions will still be able to use them.
She said the new rules are a "culture change in our classrooms."
If students do not abide by the rules, Dunlop said they'll be asked to put their cellphone in a safe space in the classroom. If students refuse to comply, they'll be asked to go to the principal's office.
"There are discipline measures in place that can be taken and we will support the principals in those measures," Dunlop added, though she did not elaborate. "Students are looking at social media and they're texting each other. They're not paying attention to what's being taught in class."
As well, vape devices, nicotine and tobacco products will be banned on school property.
According to a news release, the government is investing $30 million for schools to install vape detectors and other security upgrades.
