The District School Board of Niagara (DSBN) recognizes the educational value of students utilizing mobile devices to enhance their learning through the responsible access to global information and communication. The DSBN further recognizes the critical role that parents play in educating their children on the appropriate use of mobile devices and in monitoring their use of these devices as today’s responsible digital citizens. This partnership of parents and schools is essential in achieving success in ensuring appropriate use of ever changing technology.
Technology continues to evolve, providing users with an array of sophisticated tools. Mobile devices are now widely marketed to young people who bring them to school.
Mobile devices, while serving legitimate purposes, can also be used in an intrusive manner. The privacy, safety and dignity of others could be violated by the inappropriate use of audio and video recording devices. Mobile devices also have the potential to interfere with the students’ personal learning or the learning of others.
The District School Board of Niagara (DSBN) recognizes that students may have in their possession personal mobile devices. This policy governs the acceptable use of personal mobile devices by students while at school or at school related activities.
It is the policy of the DSBN that personal mobile devices are allowed where they are deemed not to interfere with personal learning or the learning of others and will only be used under supervision in the elementary setting. Circumstances where mobile devices may be permitted for use include educational purposes as directed by the educator, health and medical purposes, or to support special education and mental health needs. They are not to be used in elementary or secondary schools in private areas such as locker rooms and washrooms nor are they to be used where it may interfere with the reasonable expectation of privacy or safety of staff, students, or others.
The electronic transmission or posting of photographic images of a person or persons on school property, at school events, and during school activities and/or hours, is prohibited without the permission of the person or persons being photographed, the administrator or designate, and where the student is below the age of 18, the consent of the parent/guardian.
School administrators shall share information on appropriate use of mobile devices and hold students accountable for complying with these guidelines. School staff shall determine what, if any, use is interfering with the learning or intruding on another’s reasonable expectation of privacy and implement restrictions and consequences consistent with policy G-08 DSBN Code of Conduct for schools.