Salish Cell Phone Policy
To all members of our Salish Community,
Over the past year, there has been continued attention across British Columbia regarding personal device use in schools. Surrey Schools remains committed to a balanced approach—leveraging the benefits of technology while minimizing distractions to learning.
As we enter Year 2 of our personal device policy, we are building on the foundations set last year. Our goal remains to help students become responsible digital citizens who understand both the opportunities and the challenges that come with device use.
To ensure a positive and productive learning environment, these expectations continue to apply:
- Students must not access, post, or engage with social media content (e.g., Snapchat, Instagram, TikTok) during school hours or play video games. All notifications for social media and game related apps must be turned off while on school grounds.
- Students are not allowed to take photos or record videos of others using personal devices at school. Only school-approved devices may be used for supervised educational purposes.
- Teachers may allow personal devices in class only when they directly support learning activities. Outside of these times, students must keep their phones in a designated area as directed by staff. Note: All grade 8 and 9 students will be required to place their cell phones in the classroom phone hotels at the beginning of each class
- During emergency drills or actual emergencies, students must not use personal devices.
We appreciate the efforts of students and families in supporting this policy. As we continue forward, we ask for your partnership in reinforcing responsible device habits at home and school.
