Cell Phone Use at King Edward

The impact of cell phone use on student learning continues to be a significant issue that we are actively addressing at the school level. In 2025, the Toronto District School Board finalized its official cell phone policy P106 (located below). You can find the consolidated policy at the link below.

At King Edward, a Kindergarten to Grade 8 school, we maintain consistent expectations across all grade levels. This means that our Grade 7 and 8 students are expected to follow the same guidelines as our primary and junior students.

Cell phone use is not permitted on school property during the instructional day, except in the most exceptional circumstances. This includes usage on property during recess, lunch, or between classes. If students need to contact their families due to illness or emergency, they are expected to use the school phone. No phone use allowed on school property from 8:40 am to 3:05 pm. 

We recognize the important role cell phones play in student safety as they travel to and from school, and in helping them stay connected with their peers. However, within the learning environment, cell phones have increasingly become a source of distraction. Anything we do to help students stay present with their learning and with one another is a positive step forward—and we appreciate your support in this effort.

Students who are permitted to leave school property during lunch or recess may use their phones while off-site. However, once they return to school property, phones must be turned off immediately.

Responses and Consequences: 

• First Offence - Your cell phone is confiscated and brought to the office. You can pick your phone up at the end of the day. 
• Second Offence - Your cell phone is confiscated and brought to the office. We call your parents/guardians to discuss. You can pick up your phone at the end of the day.
• Third Offence - Your cell phone is confiscated and brought to the office. We call your parents/guardians to discuss. You can pick up your phone at the end of the day. Going forward, you will be required to drop your phone off at the office in the morning and pick it up at the end of the day for a predetermined amount of time.

We are committed to creating a focused, respectful, and distraction-free learning environment for all students. Thank you for your continued support.

TDSB Cell Phone Policy

P106 - complete policy