British Columbia (BC) Premier David Eby announced on January 26 that the use of cell phones in schools will now be restricted. Citing his own 9-year-old child, the premier pointed out that at elementary schools, children gather in front of their mobile phones during recess and lunch breaks. He says the school doesn’t have a system to monitor what content kids are watching.
As countermeasures to this current situation, the state government has “restricted the use of mobile phones in schools,” “introduced services that allow users to delete personal images on the Internet and track down criminals,” and “social media operating companies that have caused harm to users.” “We will legislate to ensure that people are held accountable.’
These measures are based on research showing that frequent mobile phone use poses serious risks for young people, including cyberbullying and sextortion. From September this year, schools will be required to establish a new school policy regarding mobile phone use.
It also aims to give students more opportunities to learn about knowledge and tools to protect themselves from cybercrime.
Outside B.C., Quebec has implemented similar measures since the end of the winter break.