Updated policies limit devices in schools and child care centres to aid mental health and development
The government is taking steps to reduce technology-related distractions in the classroom and keep the focus on learning and real social connections.
“We know too much screen time and social media use negatively affects children and youth,” said Education and Early Childhood Development Minister Claire Johnson.
“That’s why we’re taking action to reduce distractions, limit exposure to social media sites and support the well-being of students. By putting away phones and other personal mobile devices, students can focus on learning and building the foundational skills in literacy and numeracy.”
Beginning this September, students in kindergarten through Grade 8 will not be permitted to use their phones or other personal mobile devices at any time during the school day.
The rules will take effect for students in Grades 9-12 at the start of the second semester in February 2027. However, students in Grades 9-12 will be permitted to use personal tablets and laptops for educational purposes as part of the Bring Your Own Device program.
“Together with the active support of parents, these measures will reduce children’s exposure to online harm and commercial practices that can negatively affect young people,” said Johnson.
The use of personal mobile devices will not be permitted for children attending licensed early learning and child-care centres.
“Supporting children’s mental health requires more than reducing distractions,” said Christa Baldwin, CEO of the Canadian Mental Health Association of New Brunswick.
“Young people need opportunities to disconnect, build relationships face to face, and fully engage in school and community life. We welcome measures that promote healthy digital habits while recognizing that technology should support well-being, learning and connection, not replace them.”
At licensed child-care facilities, screen time will be limited to 30 minutes or less, with none for children ages two and under; it must also have an educational purpose, be age-appropriate, be guided by an educator, and never occur during mealtimes.
Research supports limiting screen time for young children, particularly infants and toddlers. Studies link excessive passive screen use with impacts on attention, memory, emotional regulation and language development. The move is intended to give young children the opportunity to learn, play and connect.
The department has revised Policy 311 (Responsible Use of Digital Technology) and introduced Policy 902 (Screen Time and Personal Mobile Device Use in Licensed Early Learning and Child Care Facilities).
The changes are meant to address a growing body of research on the negative effects of cellphones, screen use, and social media on children and youth, as well as on in-class learning. They also incorporate recommendations of the province’s child and youth advocate.
“We need young people to be able to safely navigate an increasingly digital society,” said Justice Minister Robert McKee, who is also minister responsible for addictions and mental health services.
“But our efforts are constantly undermined by social media platforms whose business models don’t even consider the well-being of children. As a parent, I see the impacts of this first-hand every day. We need to balance that out with safe, responsible use.”
There are also new rules for screen time during class; it must be educational and tied to curriculum outcomes.
In addition, social media sites will be restricted on school networks and school devices beginning in September.
“Blocking social media on school networks and school devices will protect children from harmful content and targeted advertising while at school,” said Johnson.
“Students will continue to use technology for learning while we make sure the digital environments they use at school support their well-being. Because we recognize the importance of digital skills and the role of technology in the classroom, New Brunswick’s education system is actively working to prepare students to thrive in a technology-driven world by strengthening digital literacy, critical thinking, online ethics and safety, and digital wellness skills.”
These actions align with two proposed federal bills – the Safe Social Media Act and An Act to enact the Protecting Privacy and Consumer Data Act – which are currently before Parliament.
“The steps we are taking and are announcing today are the right things to do to ensure students get the most out of their time in school,” said Johnson.
“We’re looking forward to our schools being alive with the sounds of kids interacting with one another in class and between classes.”
“Screen time limits in early learning protect brains at the age they’re most vulnerable. And blocking social media on school networks draws a simple line: products on trial for harming children don’t belong in our schools,” said Beauceron Security CEO David Shipley, who also studies how technology shapes human behaviour.
“When it comes to technology in the classroom, the lesson we must learn is balance. I am encouraged that New Brunswick is making these moves to protect children and, in doing so, protecting the future for this province.”
Johnson said similar policies in Ontario and Quebec have been praised by students, teachers and parents in those provinces, but added that parents know their children best.
“The support of parents at home will make the biggest difference,” said Johnson.
“Talking with kids about the new expectations before they take effect – and, for high school families, using the first semester to plan how to adjust – will make the transition smoother. A strong partnership between families and schools is what will make this successful.”
The full text of the policies and additional information is available on the government’s website.
