On Wednesday June 19th the Board of Education approved two revised policies to ensure the School District was in alignment with amendments soon being made to the School Act. Both Policy 1090 Bring Your Own Technology (BYOT) and Policy 1025 Student Code of Conduct were revised, both related to expectations for the student use of personal digital devices, including cell phones and smart watches, in schools. 

In short, Policy 1090 Bring Your Own Technology (BYOT) was updated to restrict the use of personal digital devices on school grounds at Grades Kindergarten through 6. Devices must be powered off and out of sight all day, unless used for educational purposes and under the supervision of their teacher. For students in Grades 7 through 12, devices must also be powered off and out of sight during instructional time, but may be used outside of class time. These represent minimum expectations to be implemented at schools, and individual schools may choose to impose additional restrictions.

At all grade levels, the School Based Team can be involved in creating a student plan where there are documented and verified needs requiring the use personal digital devices.

Policy1025 Student Code of Conduct was updated to reflect the expectations that students adhere to new expectations for their use of personal digital devices, like cell phones, contributing to a safe and focused learning environment for all.

All policy revisions will come into effect in Coast Mountains' schools as of September 2024. Schools will be discussing the new expectations with learners, parents and caregivers beginning in the new school year.