Uniform device policy coming to school district 60 for 2024-2025 school year

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. – Following a May 21st School District 60 board meeting, teachers’ struggles with internet connectivity and students were brought back into focus with updated policies starting September 1st. 

The new policy seeks to cover devices used to connect students to the internet, such as phones, tablets and smartwatches. These devices are referred to as personal internet-connected devices. 

A letter detailing the upcoming school district policy changes was sent to parents on May 22nd.

In elementary schools, students will not have access to internet connectivity devices at any time during the school day. 

Middle and secondary school students will not have access to their devices during instructional time unless the devices support a specific activity or curricular objective.

The policy change comes after a provincial announcement on January 26th updated the use of digital technology by students in school, which must be in place across the province in the 2024-2025 school year.

Following the updated policy, School District 60 will develop restrictions and procedures for students’ use of devices.

Before this policy change, restrictions and guidelines for students and internet devices varied across the district and even within schools, with discretion placed with the individual teachers and school administrators. 

In the 2024-2025 school year, the policy will be consistent throughout School District 60.