Source: Fraser Institute
Ontario Education Minister Paul Calandra is considering a full ban on cellphones in public and separate schools. His Fraser Institute op-ed argues this is the right direction, but should go much further. Current rules are riddled with loopholes that leave decisions up to individual teachers, creating inconsistent enforcement and pressure on educators. A proper ban would remove phones from classrooms and hallways entirely, with medical exceptions only, forcing students to leave devices in lockers or at home.
Excessive screen time harms student focus and learning. Research shows that even the presence of a phone nearby reduces concentration. Many school boards, including Toronto, have pushed one-to-one device programs that put iPads and Chromebooks in students’ hands for large parts of the day. This is especially concerning for younger children. Studies confirm that kids learn better when they write by hand and read on paper rather than staring at screens.
True North believes schools should prioritize real education over the convenience of digital gadgets. Ontario has an opportunity to lead by implementing strict limits: minimal to no screen time for K-4 students, clear restrictions in middle school, and measured use only where necessary in high school. Reducing reliance on expensive technology would also save taxpayers money while improving outcomes for students.
This is a practical, common-sense reform. Ontario should move quickly to crack down on excessive screen time before another generation loses valuable learning hours to distraction and digital dependency.
