2025–2026 School Year Begins Without Cell Phones

2025–2026 School Year Begins Without Cell Phones

A total of 2,759 students are enrolled at the Centre de services scolaire des Hauts-Bois-de-l’Outaouais (CSSHBO) for this school year. Among them, 2,122 students use school transportation in the Pontiac and Vallée-de-la-Gatineau regions.

This school year marks the full ban on cell phones, headphones, and all other personal mobile devices, which are now prohibited across all primary and secondary schools within the CSSHBO. “This decision follows the continuation of the classroom cell phone ban implemented by the Ministry of Education in January 2024. It also stems from the main recommendation of the final report by the Special Commission on the Impacts of Screens and Social Networks on Youth Health and Development (CSESJ), submitted to the Quebec National Assembly on May 29,” the CSSHBO stated.

The rules, established by Minister Bernard Drainville, apply to all schools in Quebec and cover cell phones, headphones, and any other personal mobile devices (e.g., smartwatches, tablets). The ban applies to all school grounds and buildings, including classrooms, hallways, cafeterias, washrooms, libraries, and even schoolyards.

Each school will determine how the ban is enforced. These measures must be approved by the school board and incorporated into the school’s code of conduct, and they will be communicated to both students and parents.