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ARTICLE · 09 MAY 2024

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Ontario's Rules On Cellphone Use And Vaping In Schools

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On April 28, 2024, as part of its "back-to-basics" plan, the province revised Policy/Program Memorandum 128 (PPM 128), which strengthens the Provincial Code of Conduct's...

CanadaConsumer Protection
John-Paul Alexandrowicz
John-Paul Alexandrowicz
Melissa L. Eldridge
Melissa L. Eldridge
Zoe Aranha
Zoe Aranha
Katrina Martin
Katrina Martin
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On April 28, 2024, as part of its "back-to-basics" plan, the province revised Policy/Program Memorandum 128 (PPM 128), which strengthens the Provincial Code of Conduct's restrictions on the use of personal mobile devices in schools. Further, it prohibits possession and use of vaping and smoking products. These changes are intended to take effect September 1, 2024.

The Education Act

Pursuant to subsection 301(1) of the Education Act, "the Minister may establish a Code of Conduct governing the behaviour of all persons in schools" to promote responsible citizenship, safety, well-being, and a positive school environment.

Consequently, school boards must develop and revise their own local codes of conduct to be, at minimum, consistent with the updated Provincial Code of Conduct.

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