TIMMINS - Public school students have support if they’re looking to quit smoking, but will have to ask for access to general mental health support on school devices.
At Tuesday's (Sept. 24) District School Board Ontario North East (DSB1) meeting there was an update on the new cell phone restrictions mandated by the province in June.
Local students now have access to an app that helps deal with addictions, and board-provided devices no longer have access to social media, trustees heard.
“We have eliminated students’ access to social media,” said director of education Lesleigh Dye after board meeting.
An app called Quash will be offered to students through school-provided devices for people looking to deal with addictions like smoking or vaping. A more generalized support app has not been put in place.
“If a student or family came forward to say this app is incredibly helpful, and it’s something to do with the student’s mental health, then that would go through superintendent Steve Pladzyk,” she said. “He would work with our mental health team, and they would determine whether or not it’s appropriate to be on a board device.”
The use of personal mobile devices like phones and smartwatches has been restricted by the provincial code of conduct. Students in elementary schools have to keep phones out of sight throughout the school day, while secondary students can use personal devices when they are not in class.
The rules went into effect at the beginning of the school year, and so far, Dye said they haven’t seen any major issues.
The rules also apply to teachers and other staff on school grounds as well.
“The expectations that we have for students are the same expectations that we have for staff,” said Dye. “It’s important for our students to see that the adults in the room also understand the necessity to be present.”
The policy is being finalized and will come before the board of trustees for its third and final reading at the Oct. 8 meeting.
