In alignment with the Ministry of Education and Child Care’s mandate, the Richmond Board of Education has updated our District Code of Conduct and established new guidelines on the acceptable use of personal digital devices. These changes are designed to promote online safety and ensure a focused learning environment for all students.

The Acceptable Use of Student Personal Digital Devices Policy (104-G A) is now in effect at all SD38 schools. Please read the following attachments to familiarize yourself and your child with the new expectations.

Richmond School District Update: Personal Digital Device Policy Changes

In January 2024, the Ministry of Education and Child Care mandated all school boards in British Columbia to update their Codes of Conduct to include restrictions on students’ personal digital device use.
On June 19, 2024, the Richmond Board of Education passed a motion to update Policy 105: District Code of Conduct effective July 1, 2024. The updated policy will:

• Restrict students’ use of personal digital devices at school, including during instructional time or learning related activities, to promote online safety and a focused learning environment, unless use is permitted by supervising staff.
• Support the acceptable use of student personal digital devices for accessibility and accommodation needs, medical and health needs, and to support equity of learning outcomes.

In conjunction with the updates to Policy 105, the district developed Policy 104-G (A): Acceptable Use of Personal Digital Devices. The key components of these administrative guidelines are as follows:

Secondary Schools (Grades 8-12):

• Students should not use personal digital devices during instructional time, unless permission is granted by the supervising staff for educational purposes.
• When not permitted, personal digital devices should be powered off and secured inside a student’s backpack, locker or secured location.