On June 17, 2024, Alberta Education announced new restrictions on the use of personal mobile devices and accessing social media platforms in Kindergarten to Grade 12 schools that will come into effect on September 1, 2024. The Minister of Education has shared a letter for parents (French version) with more information.

Starting in the 2024-25 school year:

• Kindergarten to Grade 12 students will not be allowed to access their personal mobile device (any personal electronic device that can be used to communicate with or access the internet such as a cell phone, tablet, laptop or smartwatch) during instructional time unless permitted for health/medical reasons or to support special learning needs.
• Students will not be permitted to access social media platforms on school networks or school devices
• Exemptions to these restrictions for health/medical reasons or for supporting special learning needs will be determined on a case-by-case basis by the school administration

Pembina Hills will continue to develop and finalize administrative procedures which will define

• where students will store their mobile devices during class time
• student access to personal mobile devices during designated breaks
• the roles and responsibilities of students, parents, teachers and the principal in enforcing these restrictions
• the consequences for non-compliance
• the annual notification to parents and students of the procedure

Pembina Hills will be sharing information with School Councils for feedback on draft administrative procedures after the start of the new school year. 

Parents can contact their school directly if they have questions.

Updated 2024-Aug-27