Ontario Cracks Down on Cellphone Use and Vaping in Schools with $47.5M Initiative

CALEDON — The Ontario government has announced a bold new initiative aimed at enhancing student achievement and well-being, with a $47.5 million investment to implement what is being called the most comprehensive plan in Canada to restrict cellphone use and ban vaping in schools. This move comes as part of a broader strategy to modernize education, reduce distractions, and promote healthier lifestyles among students.

Starting September 1, 2024, new provincewide measures will take effect, targeting the growing concerns around the impact of mobile devices and vaping on students’ academic performance, mental health, and physical well-being.

“With their constant stream of notifications and pings, it’s no surprise to anyone that cellphones constantly grab our attention,” said Jill Dunlop, Ontario’s Minister of Education. “This is why it was necessary to restrict cellphones in the classroom and enable students to restore focus on learning so they can achieve better academic outcomes. We’re excited for the year ahead where students can look forward to uninterrupted learning, extra-curriculars, and a back-to-basics, modernized curriculum that will set them up for success.”

I had a fantastic morning in Caledon with kindergarten students and their teachers and educators.

As school starts for most kids in Ontario next week, I know: This is going to be a great year.

We’re getting back to basics in classrooms with no distractions. pic.twitter.com/HODU4DWKAN

— Jill Dunlop (@JillDunlop1) August 29, 2024

The $47.5 million investment will be distributed across several key areas:

• $15 million will go towards expanding programs that support students at risk of substance use and addictive behaviors.
• $1 million has been allocated to School Mental Health Ontario for the development of webinars and resources to educate parents and students on the negative effects of vaping and excessive cellphone use.
• $1.5 million will be used by school boards in partnership with parent involvement committees to launch grassroots campaigns aimed at curbing vaping and cellphone distractions.
• $30 million has been earmarked for the installation of vape detectors and other security enhancements in schools, as outlined in the province’s 2024 budget.

The plan, which has been praised for its comprehensive approach, also includes significant updates to the curriculum aimed at better preparing students for the future. Beginning this fall, Grade 9 students will be required to earn a credit in Technological Education, introducing them to fundamental technological concepts and the engineering design process. Additionally, new experiential courses in Business Studies for Grades 9 and 10 will help foster an entrepreneurial mindset, encouraging students to think creatively and develop practical business skills.

For Grade 10 students, the Career Studies course will now include expanded mandatory learning on mental health literacy, ensuring students are equipped to recognize signs of stress and know where to seek help.

Deputy Premier and Minister of Health Sylvia Jones, who also serves as the MPP for Dufferin-Caledon, emphasized the importance of the new measures. “By banning vaping in schools, our government is setting students up for success and prioritizing their health and well-being inside and outside the classroom,” Jones said. “We are also reminding parents to keep their kids up to date on all routine vaccinations this school year to ensure our schools and communities remain safe for everyone.”

These initiatives are part of a broader $16 billion investment over the next decade to support school construction, renewal, and improvement across Ontario. Since 2018, the Ontario government has invested more than $3.6 billion in capital construction projects, leading to the creation of 139 new schools, 109 additions and renovations, and over 98,000 new student spaces. Additionally, more than 8,000 new licensed child care spaces have been created, reflecting the government’s commitment to supporting families and children across the province.

As Ontario students prepare to head back to school, the government’s investment in their education and health is set to create a learning environment that fosters focus, innovation, and well-being, paving the way for future success.