At the start of the 2023-24 school year, Mission Public schools started developing a new Policy on the use of Technology and a strategy in support of digital wellness, digital literacy, and digital citizenship to give students a foundation and tools to both make technology work for them and make good decisions while they’re using it – whether that’s cell phones, artificial intelligence, social media or more.

In January 2024, the Premier announced a directive expecting schools to include restrictions on the use of cell phones in their codes of conduct. 

In May, all boards of education got a ministerial order to include one or more statements restricting student use of personal digital devices at school. 

On May 21, 2024, the Mission Public Schools' Board of Education approved Policy 3.8 Use of Technology - Students after open consultation with the Community, Staff, Parents and Students. The reaction to the policy was overwhelmingly positive. To review the feedback, click here. 

While technology like computers and iPads will still be employed in schools for positive learning experiences, there will be changes to student use of other devices. Most significantly, students in K-9 will be expected to refrain from using Personal Digital Devices (‘PDD’) while at school, and 10-12 will refrain from using them during instructional times.  There is considerable evidence that reducing use of PDD will improve learning and psychological well-being for students, and everyone else too. 

We will be adding curated resources for students and families with tools, such as how to make a media usage plan to balance screen time, and information that demystifies social media platforms used by youth.​