'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
Serial sexual offender linked to unsolved 1970s homicides of four Calgary girls, women
An investigation into unsolved historical homicides from the 1970s has linked the deaths of two girls and two young women in and around Calgary to a now-deceased serial offender.
Woman with liver failure rejected for a transplant after medical review highlights alcohol use
For nearly three months, Amanda Huska has been in an Ontario hospital, part of it on life support, because of severe liver failure. Her history of alcohol use is getting in the way of her only potential treatment: a liver transplant.
$500K-worth of elvers seized at Toronto airport
Fishery and border service officers seized more than 100 kilograms of unauthorized elvers at the Toronto Pearson International Airport on Wednesday.
Toronto eliminated from PWHL playoffs
Toronto has been eliminated from the PWHL playoffs.
Information commissioner faces $700K funding shortfall, says system is 'overwhelmed'
Canada's information commissioner says her office is facing a $700,000 funding shortfall that could impact its ability to investigate complaints about government transparency and accountability.
B.C. man 'attacked suddenly' by adult grizzly near Alberta boundary: RCMP
A B.C. man is recovering from multiple injuries after he was "attacked suddenly" by an adult grizzly bear near Elkford Thursday afternoon.
Backlash over NFL player Harrison Butker's commencement speech has reached a new level
The NFL is distancing itself from controversial comments by Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker during a recent commencement address.
Dabney Coleman, actor who specialized in curmudgeons, dies at 92
Dabney Coleman, the mustachioed character actor who specialized in smarmy villains like the chauvinist boss in '9 to 5' and the nasty TV director in 'Tootsie,' has died. He was 92.
Craig Berube named as next head coach of Toronto Maple Leafs
The Toronto Maple Leafs have named Craig Berube as their new head coach.