I haven’t taught in Ontario in over a decade, but I don’t think the problems with cell phones are unique to Ontario. I’m surprised by the comments here, tbh.
The research is very clear: mental health (and educational outcomes) for youth have taken a nosedive since 2010, when smart phones became commonplace. In the case of educational outcomes, 2010 is the first ever reversal in the otherwise increasing trend.
Smart phones are addiction machines, with predatory apps like SnapChat that are full of dark patterns designed to increase “engagement” (addiction) while having the same short-attention-span-decreasing exposure to video shorts as TikTok that encourage self harm, suicidal ideation, misogyny, and eating disorders. (On average, all of the above within 10 minutes of starting to use the platform.)
Educators cannot compete with addiction machines. If we were writing laws objectively to improve student mental health, smart phones should be illegal for users under age 16 (at least).
This is an example of a shit government making a good decision. I hope the rest of Canada follows.