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Personal Electronic Devices and Social Networking

General Definition of a Personal Electronic Device (PED)

PEDs are portable electronic handheld equipment that can be used for the purpose of communication, entertainment, data management, word processing, wireless Internet access, image capture/recording, sound recording and information transmitting and/or receiving. Use of P.E.D.'s (Personal Electronic Devices) in classrooms is at the discretion of the classroom teacher but must be used for educational purposes. The school and the London District Catholic School Board assume no responsibility for the theft, loss, recovery, repair or replacement of any PED brought onto school property, whether the item is lost, stolen or confiscated. It is the moral responsibility of the student, parent community and school council to promote, support and follow the policy.

The Use of PEDs by Students

Prohibited uses of PEDs by students that may result in disciplinary actions up to and including confiscation, detention, suspension or expulsion, and/or the involvement of police services includes but is not limited to the following:
  • Use in any way that compromises the academic integrity of student assessment and evaluation (i.e.: using PEDs during exams, tests, quizzes, assignments, projects, etc.)

  • Use in any way that interferes with or disrupts the instructional day or the teaching/learning environment (i.e.: using PEDs in classrooms, instructional spaces, hallways, stairwell, etc.)

  • Use in any way that violates an individual's reasonable expectation of dignity and privacy (i.e.: using PEDs in classrooms, teaching areas, change rooms, washrooms, hallways, stairwells, or during a private meeting, etc.)
  • Use in any way that compromises personal and/or school safety (i.e.: using PEDs to bully or harass, etc.)

  • Use in any way that facilitates the commission of a crime (i.e.: using PEDs to break federal, provincial or municipal laws)

  • Any other use of PEDs that compromises an individual's reputation or character or interferes with school security, personal safety, individual dignity and privacy or academic integrity. In all cases, the decision of the Principal is final.

On Line Social Networking

Online social networking, which involves any form of harassment which is deemed to be conduct injurious to the moral tone of the school, including comments posted electronically, is not acceptable.

  • All inappropriate or unauthorized references to Board or school personnel and/or students in on-line electronic related mediums are violations of the Catholic Code of Conduct.
  • Using computer technology or other communication technologies to communicate inappropriate, demeaning, harassing, bullying, cycber-bullying or threatening messages shall be subject to disciplinary action.  Students may be subject to criminal and/or civil liability.
  • Any unauthorized use of photographic, video or audio communication devices by students is strictly prohibited on all school board property and during any school related activities.  Failure to comply with this policy will result in disciplinary action.