Quebec to ban use of cell phones by students at elementary and high schools in the fall

The Quebec government has announced a complete ban on the use of cell phones and similar devices by students in schools at the elementary and high school levels, effective as of the fall 2025 semester. The CAQ’s cell phone ban, which currently only applies to the classroom, will cover all school property for the entire school day, and be implemented in private as well as public schools.

Quebec Education Minister Bernard Drainville framed this broader ban on devices as a way to reduce cyberbullying.

As with the previous cell phone restriction, exceptions will be made if teachers ask students to use their phones for educational purposes, or if devices are needed by students with disabilities.

A number of Quebec students have voiced their opposition to the cell phone ban on social media, in mainstream media and with a walkout on May 9. There is another student strike planned for May 23.

Drainville first announced the restriction on cell phones in Quebec public school classrooms in the summer of 2023, and school boards complied by developing policies on devices in early 2024. The ban was criticized at the time but did not elicit significant student pushback.

Boycott de l’école demain contre l’interdiction du cellulaire:

«Je comprends qu'on va changer leurs habitudes, je comprends qu'il y ait une réaction. Maintenant, c'est pas une raison pour manquer l'école».https://t.co/Wb8ZLmSfOR

— Bernard Drainville (@BDrainvilleQc) May 8, 2025

A Local Journalism Initiative report.

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