Code of Conduct

In April of this year, the provincial government updated PPM 128, better known as the provincial Code of Conduct. The PPM includes a focus on the use of cellphones and other personal mobile devices in schools. By removing distractions, the updated PPM promotes mental health and supports student achievement and well-being by keeping students focused on learning. 

As part of the new DDSB multi-year strategic plan, these changes align with our focus on meaningful learning, creating connections, and ensuring well-being within our schools and communities. By focusing on the removal of distractions, we will ensure that student engagement remains a central focus of classroom and school experiences.   

As a result, we have updated our Code of Conduct regarding cellphone usage. The revised DDSB Code of Conduct (attached) came into effect September 1, 2024. 

School boards across the province are required to be consistent with the provincial Ministry Code of Conduct PPM 128, and we are notifying parents and guardians of the new change in policy from the government (letter to families attached).

Guidelines for the use of cellphones and other mobile devices in schools include:  

Elementary Schools  

To maintain a focused and engaging learning environment, we are asking students in Kindergarten to Grade 8 to refrain from using their personal mobile devices, such as a cellphone or tablet, during the school day.   

During the school day, devices must be:   

• turned off or set to silent mode   

• stored out of view   

Wearables such as smart watches must be put into the equivalent of 'airplane mode' during the school day.   

Students may use their personal mobile devices in school if:    

• a school administrator gives permission (for example, for health and medical purposes, to support special education needs, as part of an approved accommodation plan or health and safety plan, or for other Human Rights Code-related needs or circumstances); or,    

• a teacher gives permission to use them as part of learning during instructional time.  

All Schools  

Students are responsible for their personal mobile device and how they use it. For situations that arise where personal mobile devices are used inappropriately, school staff may:  

• require a student to hand in their personal mobile device;  

• store the mobile device in a safe place for the rest of the day. 

Any student who does not hand in their device when required, will be referred to school administration. A bias-aware progressive discipline approach will be used to address breaches of this section of the DDSB Code of Conduct. 

Please review the new guidelines and code of conduct to familiarize yourself with the new processes and responsibilities.