Personal Mobile Devices and Social Media in Schools

Updated August 27, 2024

On June 20, 2024 the provincial government passed a Ministerial Order that governs the use of personal mobile devices (PMD) and social media in schools. The order includes a requirement for school authorities to have policies and/or procedures in place no later than January 1, 2025. 

Livingstone Range School Division's Board policy and administrative procedure regarding personal mobile devices (PMD) and social media in schools are in effect for the 2024-2025 school year and aim to: 

• Support learning and minimize disruptions to instruction
• Support student mental health and wellness
• Contribute to student and staff safety

Please refer to the Government of Alberta Ministerial Order (#014/2024) for legislative information. For LRSD information, refer to draft Board Policy 24 (https://www.lrsd.ca/board/policies) and Administrative Procedure 145 (https://www.lrsd.ca/our-division/administrative-procedures).

Beginning in the 2024-2025 school year, all schools in Livingstone Range School Division will have a Personal Mobile Devices and Social Media in Schools plan (referred to as a School PMD/SM Plan). The School PMD/SM Plan will outline school use, device storage, social media on school networks, infractions and disciplinary action, parent notification, and roles and responsibilities of students, parents, and staff. School PMD/SM Plans will be available during the first week of school. Below is a summary of the Division-wide requirements.

Kindergarten to Grade 9

• Students may not have or access a PMD during the school day, including during breaks (recess, lunch). 

Grades 10 to 12

• Students may not have or access a PMD during class time, but may access devices during breaks (recess, lunch, spares).
• Students may access a PMD during class time for a specific educational task or purpose with teacher permission and school administration approval.

All students K-12

• PMDs brought to school must be stored in a locker (where available) or in another location indicated by the School PMD/SM Plan.
• Students may access a PMD for a diagnosed health or medical reason (with a physician's confirmation) or for individualized educational support (as approved by school administration).
• PMDs are not to be used in change rooms or washrooms.
• All schools will have restricted access to social media platforms on school networks.

Staff

• Staff are expected to follow the School PMD/SM Plan, use PMDs as outlined in the Board policies and administrative procedures, and should only use their PMD for defined educational and work purposes or during scheduled break and lunch periods.

In the event of an emergency, parents and guardians will be able to contact their children through the school office.