Ontario School Bans Cell Phones in the Classroom

COLLINGWOOD, ON, Sept. 4, 2014 /CNW/ - Students returning to Pretty River Academy this week learned they will have to check their cell phones at the door.

The same school that became one of the first in Ontario to ban Wifi in the classroom is now saying "no" to student cell phones.

"The cell phone is the biggest distraction to a child's learning," said Brayden Plummer, Headmaster of the school. "When we suggested the idea our teachers supported it unanimously."

Pretty River Academy is an independent school based in Collingwood, Ontario which focuses on the pursuit of excellence.

"This isn't about reversing technology," said Plummer.  "Two of our students won the national science fair last year for inventing new technologies. We also have a competitive robotics team in our school."

"Cell phones are amazing but have no place in the classroom. Some leading business schools have even banned laptops because students retain more information by listening and writing, than by clicking and typing."

SOURCE: Safe School Committee

For interviews contact: Brayden Plummer, Headmaster: Pretty River Academy, Phone: [phone], Email: [email protected]