The Government of Yukon will introduce a Personal Mobile Device Use in Schools Policy at the start of the 2026−27 school year. The policy will limit the use of personal mobile devices in kindergarten to Grade 12 schools and establish a consistent approach across the territory.
Exceptions may be made for medical needs and to support inclusive education. This approach aligns the territory with similar measures being adopted across Canada.
Implementing a personal device use in schools policy fulfils a government mandate commitment and is designed to foster educational environments that support students’ and teachers’ focus on learning.
A personal mobile device is defined as any electronic device not owned by the school that can be used to communicate or access the internet, including cell phones, laptops, tablets, smart watches and smart glasses.
The policy establishes the following standards for all Yukon school authorities.
- For elementary students (kindergarten to Grade 7), personal mobile devices will not be permitted during the school day.
- For secondary students (Grades 8 to 12), personal mobile devices may be used during non-instructional time, such as before and after school, between classes and at lunch. Device use will not be permitted during instructional time.
- In kindergarten to Grade 12 schools, the elementary policy will apply to students in kindergarten to Grade 7 and the secondary policy will apply to students in Grades 8 to 12. In split classrooms that include Grade 7 and higher grade levels, the school’s principal will determine which policy applies.
Each school authority will develop its own implementation plan and may adopt stronger approaches to reflect local needs and priorities. For example, a school authority may choose to implement a bell-to-bell ban for secondary students, provided the standards of the territorial policy are met.
To support the healthy and balanced use of personal mobile devices, the Government of Yukon will also distribute materials promoting responsible digital habits at schools and throughout students’ lives.
By establishing clear, consistent standards across Yukon schools, we are supporting student learning and success while allowing flexibility to meet local needs. I thank everyone who contributed to help develop this policy and shape a practical approach for Yukon schools and students.
This policy recognizes the impact of digital culture on health and wellbeing and aligns with the Council of Chief Medical Officers of Health recommendations on digital literacy and cellphone use in schools. Children and youth must be supported to benefit from technology while minimizing potential harms. I am encouraged to see this work advancing in schools and look forward to continued partnerships that promote wellness in an increasingly digital world.
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The policy was developed through engaging with the Yukon Association of Education Professionals, school boards, school staff and education partners.
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The policy applies to all three school authorities: First Nation School Board, Commission scolaire francophone du Yukon and Yukon Education Authority.
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Province-wide or district-wide policies for the management of personal mobile devices in schools, including cell phones, are common across Canada.
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The Department of Education will provide templates, guidance and supports to help school authorities implement the new policy in their schools.
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The policy will be reviewed within the first two years and then every five years thereafter.
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Families who would like more information about their child's school policy are encouraged to contact their school authority.
- Commission scolaire francophone du Yukon (CSFY) schools: Marc Champagne, executive director, [email protected]
- First Nation School Board (FNSB) schools: Melissa Flynn, executive director, [email protected]
- Schools operated by the Yukon Education Authority: Christine Franes and Jan Olson, superintendents, [email protected]
- The policy was developed through an evidence-based approach that included reviewing policies from other jurisdictions, examining practices in Yukon schools by engaging health experts, school boards education partners and the Yukon Association of Education Professionals.
- The policy reflects several factors.
- Limiting device use supports student focus and learning.
- Some students require access to personal mobile devices for medical reasons, learning purposes or personal safety.
- Families rely on personal devices for communication.
- Many Yukon schools already have related policies in place.
- Similar approaches exist across Canada and internationally.
- Educating students about digital literacy, healthy device use and online safety remains a Government of Yukon priority.
Tim Kucharuk
Press secretary, Cabinet Communications
867-335-2419
[email protected]
Julie Ménard
Communications, Education
867-336-0653
[email protected]