Richmond School District Update: Personal Digital Device Policy Changes
In January 2024, the Ministry of Education and Child Care mandated all school boards in British
Columbia to update their Codes of Conduct to include restrictions on students’ personal digital device
use.
On June 19, 2024, the Richmond Board of Education passed a motion to update Policy 105: District Code
of Conduct effective July 1, 2024. The updated policy will:
• Restrict students’ use of personal digital devices at school, including during instructional time or
learning related activities, to promote online safety and a focused learning environment, unless
use is permitted by supervising staff.
• Support the acceptable use of student personal digital devices for accessibility and
accommodation needs, medical and health needs, and to support equity of learning outcomes.
In conjunction with the updates to Policy 105, the district developed Policy 104-G (A): Acceptable Use of
Personal Digital Devices. The key components of these administrative guidelines are as follows:
Elementary Schools (K-7):
• Students should not have personal digital devices in their possession during the school day
unless permission is granted by the supervising staff for educational purposes. This includes
during recess and lunch or while outside on the playground or on school property.
• It is recommended that students do not bring personal digital devices to school.
Secondary Schools (Grades 8-12):
• Students should not use personal digital devices during instructional time, unless permission is
granted by the supervising staff for educational purposes.
• When not permitted, personal digital devices should be powered off and secured inside a
student’s backpack, locker or secured location.
To view the complete polices and guidelines, please visit the district website or use the provided links
below:
• Policy 104-G (A): Acceptable Use of Personal Digital Devices
• Policy 105: District Code of Conduct
The district values the collaborative partnership among students, parents and staff. Moving forward,
schools will engage with their communities to facilitate this transition. Should you have any inquiries or
require further clarification, please do not hesitate to reach out to your school principal.
Resources:
• Media Smarts – Canada’s Centre for Digital Media Literacy:
o https://mediasmarts.ca
• Common Sense – Family Engagement Resources
o https://www.commonsense.org/education/toolkit/family-engagement-resources
• ERASE – Expect Respect and a Safe Education:
o https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/erase