Student use of personal digital devices in schools was officially implemented in Abbotsford in September, and district officials shared at a recent board meeting that the transition has gone relatively smoothly.
The decision was made in the spring of 2024 through consultation with various stakeholders and in alignment with direction from the Ministry of Education and Child Care.
Abbotsford School District deputy superintendent Nathan Ngieng shared feedback results from middle and secondary principals and vice-principals about the restrictions at the Feb. 11 board meeting.
Ngieng stated that, on average, feedback ranked the new restrictions' roll-out an eight out of 10 for effectiveness.
"It's been overwhelmingly positive, but not without its challenges," he said.
All the participants said that students understood what the restrictions were, and 86 per cent said students complied always or often with the new rules.
"That's pretty good when you're talking about digital devices and young people and the significance they have for them in their daily lives," Ngieng said.
Aspects that were identified as working were: high compliance and understanding, an improved impact on the learning environment, support from parents and staff, an improved classroom management and a clear and consistent policy.
Challenging factors included: inconsistent enforcement, student resistance, parental influence, challenges working with vulnerable students and policy implementation and monitoring.
Other feedback stated that there are now fewer issues and conflicts about personal devices, and implementation and awareness has reduced the need for constant reminders from staff.
Smartwatches and Chromebooks and the decision on whether to include those in the restrictions has also caused some concern.
Another issue has been parents expecting the school to handle social media problems without monitoring their child's device use.
Despite those challenges, middle and secondary school principals and vice-principals seemed satisfied with the policy's implementation.
"The policy has been effective, with no major frustrations or parent pushback," Ngieng added.
