Milton parents weigh in as Ontario considers full cell‑phone ban in schools

By: Jiesu Luo, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Milton Reporter, Milton Reporter

Some Milton parents say they want clearer rules around technology in classrooms as the Ontario government reviews whether to introduce a full ban on cell phones in schools — a move that would go beyond current restrictions and prohibit student phone use anywhere on school property, except for medical needs.

Education Minister Paul Calandra said the province is examining what a “total” ban could look like amid growing concerns about distraction in classrooms, declining student focus and the impact of constant device use on mental health.

The discussion comes as several provinces and school boards across Canada have already tightened rules around mobile devices. Many educators say unrestricted access to phones and social media has made it harder for students to concentrate and for teachers to manage classrooms.

The debate is unfolding alongside a broader national conversation about children’s use of technology. Ontario has said it plans to work with the federal government on potential age‑based restrictions for social media access, citing concerns about online harms.

Milton parents are divided on how far the province should go.

“I see how attached kids are to their phones, even in elementary school,” said Jameela Chishti, a Milton parent with two children in the public system. “Teachers are already dealing with so many distractions, and phones make it worse. If a ban helps them focus and keeps the classroom calmer, I’m open to it — but the rules need to be clear, consistent and actually enforced. Otherwise, it just becomes another policy that doesn’t change anything.”

Others say they worry about communication gaps if phones are removed entirely.

“My daughter takes the bus, and her phone is how she lets me know she’s safe or if something changes with her schedule,” said Hari Patel, whose child attends a Milton school. 

“I understand why the province is looking at this, but parents rely on that quick check‑in. There has to be a practical way for students to reach us without causing disruption. A total ban sounds simple, but the reality for families is more complicated.”

Across Canada, several jurisdictions are moving in the same direction. Manitoba recently announced plans to limit the use of social media and artificial intelligence tools in schools. Internationally, countries in Europe and Asia have adopted strict phone‑free policies to improve classroom concentration and reduce digital risks.

Ontario’s proposal remains under review, and no timeline has been set. If implemented, it would represent one of the most restrictive approaches to student phone use in the country.