High School Cell Phone Ban

Students across the Pontiac are heading back to school this week, and for many, it will feel like stepping into a completely new environment. This year marks the start of the province-wide cellphone ban, which applies to all schools, including Pontiac High School (PHS) and École secondaire Sieur-de-Coulonge (ESSC).

The ban, first announced in the spring, comes after a government-appointed committee studied the impact of cellphones and social media on young people’s health and development. Their findings showed that constant access to devices during the school day can contribute to distraction, stress, bullying, and lower academic performance.

In response, the Ministry of Education has introduced several measures to promote what it calls a “culture of presence” in classrooms, aiming to help students focus, engage, and connect more meaningfully with their peers and teachers.

What the Ban Covers

Students are not allowed to use or carry:

• Cellphones and all communication devices

• Earbuds and headphones

• Smartwatches with messaging or calling features

• Personal tablets and music players

These devices are banned everywhere on school property, including classrooms, hallways, cafeterias, bathrooms, libraries, outdoor areas, and sports fields, from the first bell to the last.

If students bring their devices to school, they must be turned off and stored in lockers or bags. They cannot be kept in pockets or backpacks during the school day.

Exceptions and Special Circumstances

There are limited exceptions to the ban. Students with documented medical conditions or specific learning needs can request permission from school administration to use their devices when required.

At ESSC, students are allowed to carry their phones while on school buses, but they must remain turned off and cannot be used to film, photograph, or broadcast content at any time.

Why This Matters

The province says the goal is not to punish students but to foster healthier digital habits. By reducing the constant distraction of phones and social media, schools hope to create spaces where students feel safer, less pressured, and more focused on learning and personal connection.

However, the policy has raised questions and concerns among students, parents, and educators. Some worry about emergency situations, while others wonder how strictly the rules will be enforced. For many families, this will mean adjusting routines and finding new ways to communicate during the school day.

Looking Ahead

As students, parents, and teachers adjust to this change, schools across the Pontiac will be monitoring how the policy plays out. The Ministry says it is committed to working with schools to balance safety, education, and well-being while helping young people develop a healthier relationship with technology.

For now, one thing is clear: this school year marks a significant shift in how students will experience their school days.