As of the 2026–27 school year, students’ personal mobile device use in all school authorities in the Yukon will be limited by a new territory-wide policy.
This policy will apply to any personal electronic device that can be used to communicate or to access the internet, such as a:
- cell phone;
- laptop;
- smart watch;
- smart glasses; or
- tablet.
Students who require personal devices for medical or inclusive education needs during school hours are exempt from this policy. Use of personal devices for any other purpose is restricted.
For security and technical reasons, students must not connect personal devices to the school’s Wi‑Fi network.
How you can contract your child
As always, you can contact your child’s school at any time during the school day to talk to or share a message with your child.
You can also learn about school emergency plans and what parents can do during an emergency.
What families can do
- Contact your child’s school to learn more about their digital device implementation plan.
- Have a conversation with your child/ren about the new policy and how to limit digital device usage at school and at home.
- Create a plan with your child/ren to help them follow the new policy.
- Check in with your child/ren regularly to learn how it’s going for them at school.
- Continue to have conversations with your child/ren about online safety.
Frequently asked questions about the Personal Mobile Device Use in Schools Policy.
School-owned devices and technology
Each year, the Department of Education provides families with information on how we expect their child to use school-owned technology. The guidelines are sent home at the start of each school year and are suited for the student's grade level.
You will receive the technology use guidelines for:
- kindergarten to grade 3; or
- grades 4 to 12.
We encourage families and students to read and agree to these guidelines together. By following these guidelines, students can stay safe while using internet-connected electronic devices for learning at school.
For more information on the Personal Devices Use in Schools Policy, contact your child’s school.
Online safety and digital literacy
We teach students about how to keep themselves safe online. Community partners are also welcomed into classrooms to share their knowledge with students.
Our curriculum provides opportunities for students to learn about the healthy use of technology. The Physical Health and Education curriculum aims to promote physical and mental health and the development of healthy relationships. It includes information on the potential effects associated with social media and about managing technology use.
The Department of Education also recognizes Media Literacy Week and Digital Citizen Day and shares information and resources with educators to promote these annual events.
Kindergarten to grade 9
From kindergarten to grade 9, teachers talk to students about digital literacy and online safety as part of the Applied Design, Skills and Technologies curriculum.
Grades 10 to 12
For older students in grades 10 to 12, Career-Life Education 10-12 classes teach students about digital citizenship and being responsible and ethical while online.
Community partners
We work with external programs and organizations to support students' wellbeing and to teach them about online safety.
We invite experts, such as those from the Workers’ Safety and Compensation Board or the local RCMP detachment, to speak to students about online safety and cyberbullying.
Families
We encourage families to get involved in conversations with kids about online safety. Our efforts to keep students safe online work best when families continue these conversations with their children at home.
Families can find helpful information and resources on how to have these conversations and how they can help protect their kids on websites like:
On these websites, you can find information about:
- what to do if something bad happens online; and
- how to submit reports of concerns through an online reporting tool.
To learn more about how the Personal Mobile Devices Use in Schools Policy is implemented at your child’s school, contact your child’s school.