Use of Personal Electronic Devices

Luther College High School (LCHS) is committed to the learning and well-being of our students. We expect our students to practice socially responsible and respectful behaviours when using personal electronic devices so that teaching and learning can take place in a safe and effective learning environment. In keeping with guidance from the Ministry of Education, these procedures outline the restrictions placed on the use of personal electronic devices in school. Personal electronic devices include smart phones, tablets, smart watches, computers, and portable video game systems, but the primary concern of this policy is smart phone and smart watch use.

General Usage

Use of personal electronic devices by students on school property, at school events, and during school activities that involves creating, displaying, or sending harassing, intimidating, sexually explicit, defamatory or otherwise inappropriate materials is strictly prohibited.

Use of personal electronic devices in any area of the school where there is an increased expectation of privacy (e.g., washrooms, change rooms, private counselling rooms) is also strictly prohibited.

Usage in the Classroom

Students shall not use smart phones or smart watches during instructional time. Smart phones must be turned off or put on silent mode and stored out of view during instructional time except during activities approved by the Principal or if an exemption has been granted by the Principal to a particular student. It will be up to the individual teacher to decide where devices are stored in the classroom.

Teachers who identify specific instructional purposes for students to use smart phones in their classroom may request permission from the Principal. Exemptions approved by the Principal also may be made when a smart phone is required for specific medical conditions or for accommodations related to a student’s documented learning needs.

Consequences of Inappropriate Usage

Depending on the severity and frequency of incidents, disciplinary measures for inappropriate use of personal electronic devices may include:
• confiscation of the device by the classroom teacher or Principal; confiscated items may be held in the Main Office until a conference with the student, parent, and Principal or designate takes place;
• loss of other school privileges, including participation in extra-curricular activities, field trips, and special events;
• suspension and/or completion of a certain number of hours of community service;
• expulsion from the school.
If information related to safety and/or criminal activity is believed to exist on personal electronic devices, they may be confiscated for further investigation by the school and/or police authorities.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Teachers shall communicate to students when personal electronic devices are permitted for academic purposes and shall consistently support the school’s procedures on the use of personal electronic devices.
• Students shall comply with restrictions placed on the use of personal electronic devices during instructional time and shall accept the consequences of non-compliance.
• The Principal shall communicate to all parents/guardians the expectations of teachers and students related to the use of personal electronic devices and shall administer appropriate disciplinary action aligned with these administrative procedures.
• Parents/guardians are encouraged to discuss these procedures at home, including the risks associated with the use of personal electronic devices and the benefits of a device-free environment. LCHS appreciates parents/guardians being supportive that students are unable to respond to calls or texts during instructional time. In cases of emergency, parents/guardians may contact the school office.

Communication and Review

The expectations for students and parents/guardians, as well as consequences of inappropriate use, will be communicated annually. These procedures will be accessible on the LCHS website and will be reviewed regularly to ensure compliance with the Ministry of Education.