The following message from Director of Education Sheryl Robinson Petrazzini was emailed to all HWDSB students and families on September 19, 2024. Beginning Monday, September 23, student access to social media platforms will be restricted.
Dear Families,
Thank you for your continued support as schools and classrooms welcome updates to the HWDSB Code of Conduct that reflect changes to the Provincial Code of Conduct.
Social media remains a key area of focus in the Ministry of Education’s PPM 128 update. As communicated in June and again during school year start-up, HWDSB is following steps outlined in the Provincial Code of Conduct to restrict student access to social media.
Minimizing distractions, including social media, helps foster positive school climates in all HWDSB schools that support the achievement and human rights of every student. The actions we take together as a school board community are about co-creating classroom conditions with a continued focus on learning outcomes, safety and well-being.
Beginning Monday, September 23, 2024, student access to social media platforms will be restricted. Please see the information below to find key points for students and staff. You will also find links to a list of HWDSB-supported digital tools and a sample list of social media platforms that will be impacted.
Here is how these changes impact HWDSB students:
- Social media platforms will no longer be accessible on all HWDSB student devices AND student networks.
- This change means students will NEVER be able to access social media on HWDSB devices. Students using their own devices will NOT be able to access social media while connected to a school Wi-Fi network.
- Students are encouraged to use HWDSB-supported digital tools (listed here) as students will no longer be able to access social media.
- This change means students operating school-based social media accounts need to use other communication tools that can be accessed through HWDSB student devices OR student networks.
- Social media will not be used as an educational tool AND/OR primary form of communication for staff to reach students.
- This change means staff-led social media accounts for learning and extracurricular activities can remain active, but it cannot be the singular tool to share information with students.
- This change also means social media platforms will not be used for learning purposes in the classroom.
Here is how these changes impact HWDSB staff:
- Social media platforms will remain accessible on all HWDSB staff devices AND staff networks.
- These platforms will NOT be accessible on student devices AND student networks.
- Staff are encouraged to use HWDSB-supported digital tools (listed here) when communicating school activities. For example, extracurricular activities and events.
- Changes to student access mean students can no longer visit social media platforms on an HWDSB device OR on their own device while connected to HWDSB student networks.
- Staff are asked to not use social media as an educational OR communication tool for students.
- This change means staff-led social media accounts for learning and extracurricular activities can remain active, but they cannot be used in the classroom or as a sole tool to reach students outside of the classroom.
- This change also means social media platforms will not be used for learning purposes in the classroom.
- Staff can continue to use social media as a tool to connect with families.
As mentioned above, these changes begin Monday, September 23 at every HWDSB school, building and office. Guest or public Wi-Fi networks will feature the same security as student networks.
As social media continues to adapt and evolve, some platforms could be added or removed from the sample list. Any updates will be communicated to students, staff, families and communities. We want all members of the HWDSB community to receive similar updates to ensure expectations surrounding social media are as clear as possible.
For your information, there are multiple HWDSB-supported digital platforms accessible on all HWDSB student/staff devices AND networks. Those digital tools, as well as a sample list of restricted social media platforms for students, can be found below.
Information related to Code of Conduct, PPM 128 and social media will always be posted to the HWDSB website on the Code of Conduct webpage. As new expectations surrounding social media take shape, we look forward to continued collaboration with HWDSB parents, guardians and caregivers. Any improvements to learning and well-being are not possible without your support and enthusiasm.
We appreciate your dedication to your children and to public education as we usher in changes that limit social media distractions in school and focus on students’ learning and well-being.
Sincerely,
Sheryl Robinson Petrazzini
Director of Education
HWDSB-Supported Digital Tools for Students and Staff
D2L
D2L can be used as a communication and collaboration tool for students in the same classroom.
Microsoft Teams
Teams can be used as a communication and collaboration tool for students in the same classroom. It can also be used as a tool for students to communicate with students not in the same classroom. Student group chats need to be created by a staff member.
HWDSB Student and Staff Email
Email can be used as a tool for students and staff to share messages with one another.
Examples of Restricted Social Media Platforms for Students
| Discord Messenger Snapchat |
Telegram TikTok (Restricted in March 2023) Tumblr Twitch YouTube |
Updated on Thursday, September 19, 2024.
