Saskatchewan is introducing a new school policy that will ban cell phones in grades K-12 classrooms across the province.

Keith Keating, director of education for the Southeast Cornerstone Public School Division (SECPSD), says the policy is primarily implemented by individual schools.

“That would be determined on an individual school basis and in discussions between teachers and school administration. So each school division in the province will have its own policy, but it will be within the framework of what is set out in the provincial policy.”

Kesting expects to hear approval, but also opposition, from teachers and parents.

“There isn’t much reaction yet, it’s summer. But I’m sure that as with most bills, there will be some who are very much in favor and some who are against.”

Keating supports the use of phones in the classroom as long as they are used for school purposes.

“I think cell phones have their place in the classroom in grades 9-12 when used for educational purposes. However, I know most of our schools had cell phone policies in place before that would have covered many of these issues. So for some, it will be a small adjustment, but for many, it won’t be a big one.”

Keating says some students in the department can still access their cell phones for medical or academic reasons.

“There are some cases where devices are used for medical reasons for students. Those would be exempt from the rule. Or there might be times when they use cell phones in the classroom to do things like research and things like that.”

Exceptions apply to students in grades 9 through 12 who use it for educational purposes and to students with medical exemptions.