'There are going to be some real issues in terms of enforcement': Parents weigh in on school cellphone ban
The debate around the Ford government cellphone ban in schools continues to stir.
Parents and professional educators are weighing in with potential pros and pitfalls.
Parent Dia Dema is onboard and told CTV News, “I just don’t think it is appropriate for them [children] to be on their phones checking it during class time.”
It is common statement, especially from older parents who grew up in a time cell phones were a rarity.
But inside today’s classrooms many new teachers have always known a world with the devices.
Bill Tucker is a former director of the Thames Valley District School Board. He also just retired from teaching new educators.
Bill Tucker is retired TVDSB director and instructor at Althouse College of Faculty of Eduction in London, Ont. April 30, 2024. (Sean Irvine/CTV News London)
Tucker concedes, many new teaching candidates arrive at London’s Althouse College with a smartphone in hand.
“My first few days and weeks teaching teacher candidates in September — the heads were down, the cell phones were being used, and I had to stop the lesson.”
But once in front of a classroom, Tucker said it doesn’t take long for new teachers to realize smartphones are disruptive.
“And the teacher candidates going into their practicum, It was like an ‘ah-ha’ moment for them. They now understand that it is a much different perspective on the other side of the coin.”
Still Tucker contended smartphones can be an effective educational tool when controlled.
Parent Dayna Newman agrees, but still said the scales tip in favour a ban.
“There is always time for play, and a cellphone falls under mostly play.”
Kierra Nelson is a London, Ont. parent. April 30, 2024. (Sean Irvine/CTV News London)
Yet, parent Kierra Nelson says hold the phone on that comment. She considers them a safety device.
“I don’t really agree with it, because say my daughter needs me, and I give her the cellphone in case she needs me. Now she won’t be able to do that,” said Nelson.
And if plenty of parents, or even educators and teachers, agree with Nelson, Tucker suggests the ban may fail.
“As soon as one of those three elements are removed or face challenges, then there are going to be some real issues in terms of enforcement.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
This type of screen time has the worst effect on kids: experts
According to some experts, there is one type of screen time that is continuously excessive, and it's having a severe effect on our children.
Grayson Murray's parents say the two-time PGA Tour winner died of suicide
Grayson Murray's parents said Sunday their 30-year-old son took his own life, just one day after he withdrew from a PGA Tour event.
Blaine Higgs 'furious' over sexual education presentation
New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs has shared his anger on social media over a presentation in at least four high schools.
Some birds may use 'mental time travel,' study finds
Real quick — what did you have for lunch yesterday? Were you with anyone? Where were you? Can you picture the scene? The ability to remember things that happened to you in the past, especially to go back and recall little incidental details, is a hallmark of what psychologists call episodic memory — and new research indicates that it’s an ability humans may share with birds called Eurasian jays.
Trump confronts repeated boos during raucous Libertarian convention speech
Donald Trump was booed repeatedly while addressing Saturday night’s Libertarian Party National Convention.
Driver, 18, gets $3,000 ticket, 32 demerit points after speeding on Laval boulevard
A young driver received a hefty fine from Laval police after they say he was driving nearly 100 km/h over the posted speed limit.
Indianapolis 500 delayed as strong storm forces fans to evacuate Indianapolis Motor Speedway
The start of the Indianapolis 500 was delayed as a strong storm pushed through the area Sunday, forcing Indianapolis Motor Speedway officials to evacuate about 125,000 fans who had already arrived for "The Greatest Spectacle in Racing."
Hamas rocket attack from Gaza sets off air raid sirens in Tel Aviv for the first time in months
Hamas fired a barrage of rockets from Gaza that set off air raid sirens as far away as Tel Aviv for the first time in months on Sunday in a show of resilience more than seven months into Israel's massive air, sea and ground offensive.
At least 13 dead in Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas after severe weather roars across region
Powerful storms killed at least 13 people and left a wide trail of destruction Sunday across Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas after obliterating homes and destroying a truck stop where dozens sought shelter in a restroom during the latest deadly weather to strike the central U.S.