DiscoverThis MattersHow Ontario's cellphone ban played in classrooms and politics
How Ontario's cellphone ban played in classrooms and politics

How Ontario's cellphone ban played in classrooms and politics

Update: 2025-07-04
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Guests: Toronto Star reporters Isabel Teotonio and Kristin Rushowy

With the summer break, Ontario is wrapping up the first full school year under new cellphone restrictions. Last September, the Ford government introduced restrictions on personal mobile devices in schools, with boards required to update their own policies and ban social media sites, such as Instagram, TikTok and Snapchat, from networks and devices. Other provinces have followed suit. But the results have been mixed, and students can still access those sites using personal data. Some teachers did see students more focused and present. Others are still in a constant battle for their attention.

So, did the cellphone ban really change anything? 

This Matters speaks to Toronto Star reporters Isabel Teotonio and Kristin Rushowy. One’s been hearing from teachers and students in classrooms. The other’s been tracking the political story behind the policy.

Audio sources: CBC News, Isabel Teotonio 

Produced by Saba Eitizaz and Paulo Marques

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How Ontario's cellphone ban played in classrooms and politics

How Ontario's cellphone ban played in classrooms and politics

Toronto Star