Digital Citizenship

As a school learning community we have the shared responsibility to ensure our students are able to utilize technology in safe and productive ways. 

As part of that process we invite families to sign and acknowledge the acceptable use policy for students in kindergarten to grade 3 and then for students in grades 4 to 7. 

We also have renewed our guidelines across the VSB for personal Digital Device Usage. 

Personal Digital Device Usage 

To foster a safe and focused learning environment for students, the use of personal digital devices, that distract from learning, such as cell phones, tablets and electronic devices, are restricted during school hours and on school property. Educators and school staff will continue to model digital citizenship in the classroom and avoid the use of personal digital devices for non-instructional purposes. 

Personal digital devices are restricted for the instructional day. This includes class time, recess and lunch during school hours of 9:00am to 3:00pm. Personal digital devices must be turned off or placed on silent mode and out of sight for the entire school day.  

The use of personal devices is permitted under the following circumstances: 

• For educational purposes, as directed by the educator in the classroom. 
• For health and medical purposes as outlined in an Individual Education Plan or Student Safety Plan. 
• To support special or diverse educational needs, such as assistive technology related to Individual Education Plans or Student Support Plans.   

The expectation is that students will follow the direction of the educators. Students who repeatedly do not follow the personal digital device policy may be asked to store their personal digital devices with an administrator for the remainder of the day.  

The Vancouver School Board is not responsible for the loss, damage, or disappearance of personal digital devices that students decide to bring to school.  

A regular review of the school’s Code of Conduct guidelines for personal digital devices are essential to ensure their effectiveness and relevance in addressing current issues and meeting the evolving needs of students, teachers, and parents. Adjustments to the Code of Conduct may be necessary to ensure that school guidelines remain relevant and effective in promoting a conducive learning environment.  Changes may be prompted by emerging incidents that highlight the need for enhanced measures to protect student well-being and privacy