Vancouver School Board to vote on cell phone restrictions

The Vancouver School Board is set to vote on a motion to restrict cell phone use in schools.

Trustees are set to review a motion Monday, April 29, put forward by ABC Vancouver trustee and school board chair, Victoria Jung.

She says it’s about “taking a next step towards supporting digital wellbeing.”

“It is important for Vancouver to be a leader in this field,” said Jung in a release, Monday. “We know from experience that dealing with devices in the classroom is often a complex matter. Having buy-in and input from students, educators, parents, and administration is absolutely crucial.”

ABC says, if the motion is successful, it will begin writing restrictions with consideration for “accessibility-related device use and student social development.”

The motion comes after a January announcement from the provincial government, requiring school districts to implement new guidelines for device usage and social media access in schools.

The B.C. government says it is making good on a promise Premier David Eby made to a family affected by online extortion, by announcing enhanced measures to keep children safe from “online threats.”

“The impact and influence of all these factors is bigger than any individual family can deal with on their own,” Eby said. “Parents cannot protect their kids without support.”

The vote on restrictions is expected to take place at the Vancouver School Board Offices at 7 p.m.

With files from Charlie Carey.