Quebec students won't be allowed to use their phones at school — not even on breaks

Quebec students can say goodbye to filming TikToks between classes.

Starting next school year, students across the province won't be allowed to use their cellular phones at all during the school day — not just in class, but during breaks and even on school grounds.

As of September, the provincial government will expand its current classroom cellphone ban to cover the entire school day in both primary and secondary schools. The measure will take effect in time for the 2025-2026 school year.

Quebec Education Minister Bernard Drainville announced the new ban in a Thursday afternoon press conference.

The decision is based on a recommendation from the Commission spéciale sur les impacts des écrans et des réseaux sociaux sur la santé et le développement des jeunes (CSESJ).

In its interim report tabled on April 22, the cross-party commission called for a full ban on cellphones, headphones, and other personal mobile devices throughout the entire school day — including in class, during lunch, and on school grounds — with limited exceptions.

The commission argued that even when turned off, phones can disrupt students' concentration, learning, and social interaction.

Cellphones have been banned in Quebec classrooms since January 2024, but this new rule will take things further by restricting phone use from arrival to dismissal, including recess and lunch hours. The original policy, made official through Article 459.6 of the Education Act, prohibits students from using phones, headphones, or other personal devices inside classrooms, unless for learning purposes, health reasons, or to accommodate a disability.

The goal, according to the directive, is to help students stay focused, reduce stress, and cut down on disruptions linked to cyberbullying and social media.

You can find the full directive on the Quebec government's website.

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