Vancouver School Board postpones motion to restrict cellphone use in schools

The Vancouver School Board voted Monday night to postpone a motion asking the superintendent to bring in restrictions on cell phones in schools.

The motion by board chair Victoria Jung also proposes that students up to Grade 7 keep their phones on silent and out of sight during school hours.

Under the board’s guidelines, the motion must first be reviewed by the Education Plan Committee.

The board voted last month to refer the motion to the Committee but it was sent back to the board because that Committee meeting did not reach a quorum.

The next Committee meeting is scheduled for June 12.

The province is requiring all school districts to introduce restrictions on cell phone use before the next school year.

2:09 B.C. government aims to restrict cell phone use in school

In Quebec, cell phones are banned in schools except for learning activities. It was the second province to implement strict rules after Ontario.