Cellphones should be banned in Ontario schools: poll

Most people believe cellphones should be banned in Ontario schools, a new poll finds.

The issue has come to the forefront after Ontario Education Minister Paul Calandra said he is considering implementing an “outright ban” of cellphones on school properties, with some medical exemptions.

Cellphone use is already supposed be limited in classroom settings.

A provincial Code of Conduct implemented in September 2024 states students in Grade 7 and above may not use cellphones or other mobile devices during class time without the explicit permission of their teacher.

Students in Grade 6 and below may not use cellphones or other mobile devices at school during the school day without the permission of a teacher.

Calandra said cellphones and social media have become a problem for young people. Social media use has been linked to mental health issues, bullying and online predators. Australia created a law enforcing age limits on social media accounts, and other countries have since followed suit.

An overwhelming majority of INsauga.com readers agree with a ban.

INsauga asked: Do you think cell phones should be banned at schools in Ontario?

As of May 11, just over 84 per cent of readers or 7,705, said yes. Another 1,463 or 15.9 per cent said no.

Ontario has not released any further details on a proposed cellphone or social media ban yet.

Poll disclaimer: This poll reflects the views of participating readers and is not a scientific sample. Participation was voluntary and limited to the publication’s audience, which is primarily based in southern Ontario.

With files from The Canadian Press

Lead photo: Katerina Holmes