Cellphone Ban: What Effects on Young Athletes?

Starting in the 2025 school year, a new important measure will come into effect in Quebec schools: a ban on cell phones. Announced to protect the concentration and well-being of our young people, this decision will also have implications for young athletes, who will have to adapt their school and sports routines to this new framework.

The new policy prohibits the use of cell phones, headphones, and other mobile devices from the beginning to the end of classes, including breaks and lunch time, on all school grounds, whether in public or private schools. The objective is clear: school is a place for learning, without digital distractions.

However, certain exceptions will be allowed:

• If the use of a cell phone is required for educational purposes by a teacher.
• For health or accommodation reasons (e.g., students with diabetes, learning disabilities).
• During supervised activities using technology for educational purposes.

It is important to note that each school will have some freedom in how it applies the policy, which means that the terms and penalties may vary from one school to another. We encourage you to check with your child’s school for specific details.

There are many reasons behind this decision, all of which are aimed at promoting your children’s overall well-being:

• Reducing distractions and improving concentration in class.
• Limiting cyberbullying, which is often facilitated by the use of phones on school premises.
• Promoting mental health by giving students a welcome “digital break” during the day.
• Encouraging in-person socialization and real interactions rather than virtual ones.

🎓 According to a study by McGill University, the presence of a cell phone in the classroom can reduce a student’s academic performance by 20%. (Source: McCoy et al., 2021 – McGill University)

For young athletes in Quebec, this new rule has concrete implications, especially for those who juggle school schedules and training, or who participate in interscholastic competitions.

Here’s what this means for them, and for you, parents:

• Fewer distractions, more focus: This measure could help our young athletes better manage their time and focus more on their studies and athletic goals by limiting digital temptations during the school day.
• Potential problems for urgent communications: In the event of unforeseen circumstances (e.g., being late for practice, an injury during a sports-study activity), the phone ban could complicate rapid communication with you or coaches if the school has not put effective alternatives in place.
• Adaptation of extracurricular activities: The organization of practices or team travel, often coordinated by instant messaging, will require adaptation. Schools will need to provide logistical alternatives to ensure the smooth running of sports and cultural programs.

Experts and teachers emphasize that the ban should not be punitive, but educational. This means that it will also be necessary to:

• Educate our young people about responsible use of digital technology.
• Offer supervised technological alternatives for essential needs (parent-child communication for emergencies, sports coordination).
• Involve young people, including athletes, in the development of local rules to ensure that they reflect their real-life situations.

The ban on cell phones in schools marks a turning point for school life in Quebec. For your young athletes, this change requires some reorganization, but it could also pave the way for better time management, less digital pressure, and greater concentration—both in the classroom and on the field.

For schools and associations, adopting a centralized communication platform accessible to all stakeholders (students, parents, coaches, administrators) will become essential to continue managing sports and cultural activities smoothly. MonClubSportif is here to help!

Discover how MonClubSportif can help sports managers, coaches, and parents centralize and simplify all communications and team management, even without cell phones in the classroom.

Contacts us to know more!