Personal Digital Device Guidelines

Background 

As of July 1, 2024, the Kamloops-Thompson School District is revising the District’s student code of conduct (Administrative Procedure 350) to include the following language as required by Ministerial Order M89:

Comply with restrictions on personal digital device use at school to promote online safety and focused learning environments by demonstrating:

• use of personal digital devices for instructional purposes and digital literacy development;

• use of personal digital devices that is appropriate to a student’s age and    developmental stage;

• use personal digital devices for accessibility and accommodation needs, including medical and health needs;

• use personal digital devices to support equitable access to learning outcomes.

RLC & Westwold Elementary Schools’ personal digital devices expectations/policy is guided by the above language and has been developed with staff, parents and students to promote online safety and focused learning environments for all students. In addition, there is no need for  students to rely on using their personal digital devices as an instructional tool.

Expectations

In individually unique cases, students are permitted to use personal digital devices at all times:

• When the student requires the use of their personal digital device to support their medical needs as outlined in their Competency Based Individual Education Plan or confirmed by their physician. 

• When the student requires the use of their personal digital device to support their accessibility and instructional accommodation needs as outlined in their Competency Based Individual Education Plan, their Service Plan or their Annual Instruction Plan.

During instructional time (learning environments):

• Student use of their personal digital device is not permitted

During non-instructional time while on school grounds (before and after school, recess & lunch)

• Student use of their personal digital device is not permitted. 

At no time will the use of any personal electronic device invade or infringe upon the personal privacy or safety of any member of the school district community as per Administrative Procedure 145 which is available on the school district website: https://www.sd73.bc.ca/ 

Student behaviour that contravenes these guidelines will be addressed using Administrative Procedure 350: Student Code of Conduct and Administrative Procedure 355: Student Discipline.