August 26, 2024Important Update to Our Technology Responsible Use Policy

Last April, the government of BC mandated that all Boards of Education and schools across the province restrict cell phone use in schools. At Aberdeen Hall we already had a cell phone policy in place that outlined the use of phones during class time; so as far as policy went we were in full compliance. However, for us this is not about compliance but about what is in the best interest of the students under our care.

All members of Aberdeen Hall faculty were given the book The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt with the request that they set aside some time over the summer months to engage in professional reading. Reading this book and thinking about the ways that we can support the children and adolescents under our care to flourish as healthy, socially functioning and contributing adults highlighted for us the need to augment our Technology Responsible Use Policy.

In our classrooms we see the fragmentation of attention that occurs when our students try to multitask learning alongside their social media or messaging apps or online gaming. And during social times – whether at recess, lunch, study blocks or even transitioning between classes – we see social media apps, online gaming and other internet-based activities reducing the synchronous, face-to-face social interactions needed for healthy social development. These platforms “which are engineered for engagement, hijack social learning and drown out the culture of one’s family and local community” (Haidt, 2024). In our community we value feeling connected and respected and when we are distracted by devices in our hand, or pocket, this is hard to do.

Going forward, students are expected to have their personal devices that they use for messaging, social media or gaming away for the duration of the day, including lunch and all breaks. If they are brought to school they must be kept in lockers or bags and turned off so that notifications do not distract them or others around them.

We understand that this will be more challenging for some students than it will be for others but it is important that we are all working in partnership and making this change together.  It is much easier to tell an adolescent that they do not need their phone if their peers are all receiving and following the same message. We ask for the support of all of our families in this endeavour.

Technology is a tool that we want our students to use for learning and we will continue to use our devices for such purposes. Students who are using their devices for purposes other than learning will have their device confiscated and returned to them at the end of the day. If this continues to occur then parents/guardians will be contacted and the student will be required to hand their phone in to an administrator when they arrive in the mornings.

During break times we will continue to encourage students to talk to their peers and teachers, join a lunchtime club, sign up for intramural sports in the AWC, go for a walk, head to the field, get outside, play a card game, connect with the people here. 

We understand that many of our students and families juggle busy schedules and may need to communicate during the school day and we will make accommodations for that.

If a student needs to use a personal device to communicate with someone outside of school they are welcome to ask a teacher or administrator to use their office or classroom for the brief period of time that is needed. 
Students who have access to technology tools or apps as part of their IEP will be able to utilise their devices to ensure accessibility, meet accommodation needs, and ensure equity to support learning outcomes. 
Students who may need to access a device to support their medical and health needs will be allowed access to their devices as needed with a medical note on file.
We appreciate your partnership and support with this policy change as we work together to ensure our students are learning, growing and thriving. 

Please reach out to your division principal should you have any questions or concerns.