If you have children in the New Brunswick school system, you will notice major changes this fall. Students face new limits on cellphones, screen time, and social media as they head back to class. Education and Early Childhood Development Minister Claire Johnson announced the new rules to reduce distractions and improve student well being.

New Phone Rules for Students

Starting this September, students from kindergarten to Grade 8 are banned from using phones or personal mobile devices during the school day. High school students in Grades 9 through 12 face the same rules starting in the second semester in February 2027. Older students are allowed to use personal tablets and laptops for educational purposes.

Strict Screen Time Limits

The province mandates that any screen time during class must be educational and tied directly to curriculum outcomes.

A child plays with an iPad. Image credit: THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP, Gerald Herbert

Licensed child care facilities also face strict new rules. Screen time is now limited to 30 minutes or less. This time must serve an educational purpose, be age appropriate, and be guided by an educator. Screen time is completely banned during mealtimes. Furthermore, children aged two and under are not allowed any screen time at all. Children attending licensed early learning and child care centers cannot use any personal mobile devices.

Social Media Restrictions

Beginning next month, schools will restrict access to social media sites on their networks and devices.

Johnson states that excessive screen time and social media use negatively affect children and youth.

“That is why we are taking action to reduce distractions, limit exposure to social media sites and support the well being of students,” Johnson said. “By putting away phones and other personal mobile devices, students can focus on learning and building the foundational skills in literacy and numeracy.”

The new policies incorporate recommendations from the child and youth advocate of the province.

Community and Expert Reactions

Christa Baldwin, CEO of the Canadian Mental Health Association of New Brunswick, welcomes the news.

“Supporting children’s mental health requires more than reducing distractions,” Baldwin said. “Young people need opportunities to disconnect, build relationships face to face, and fully engage in school and community life.”

David Shipley, CEO of Fredericton based Beauceron Security, studies how technology shapes human behavior. He supports finding a balance for technology in the classroom.

“Screen time limits in early learning protect brains at the age they are most vulnerable,” Shipley said. “And blocking social media on school networks draws a simple line: products on trial for harming children do not belong in our schools.”

Student reactions remain mixed. Eleanor Rolls is entering Grade 10 and uses her phone often. She feels the ban is an overreaction. Spencer Anderson is entering Grade 9 and believes students should have access to phones to stay in touch with parents.

However, younger students see the benefits. Sam Hill Stosky is entering Grade 6 and notes that technology disrupts learning when phones go off in class. Alora Hill Stosky is entering Grade 9 and points out that cyberbullying is a major issue in middle school and elementary school.

You can read the original report on CTV News Atlantic.

Frequently Asked Questions

When do the new cellphone rules start?

The rules begin this September for students in kindergarten through Grade 8. Students in Grades 9 through 12 follow the same rules starting in February 2027.

Can high school students use laptops?

Yes. High school students are allowed to use personal tablets and laptops for educational purposes.

What are the screen time rules for daycares?

Licensed child care facilities must limit screen time to 30 minutes or less. Children under two years old are not allowed any screen time.

Will social media be blocked at school?

Yes. Schools will restrict social media sites on school networks and school devices starting next month.