Digital Citizenship is having the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to demonstrate responsible and respectful behaviour when using technology or participating in digital environments. Digital Citizenship encompasses: digital self, digital interactions, digital learning, digital rights & responsibilities, digital safety & security, and digital commerce.
Students are provided access to computers, other technology and the internet to assist them in their learning. Students may bring their own computers / i-pads / tablets to school and may use these devices in the classroom.

Students who bring their own devices to school will not have access to school servers or printers through the network. As such they will need to utilize Google Drive to transfer files to the school network. School classes may utilize software applications that the student does not have on their device. No software will be provided to students.

The following activities are prohibited and will be addressed on an individual basis as needed:

• Use of someone else’s CBE account
• Sharing of usernames and passwords for other people to use
• Sending, posting, displaying or using obscene language/messages or pictures or information about oneself or others
• Harassing, insulting or attacking another person or their reputation
• Viewing websites through a proxy server
• Plagiarism of online content
• Tampering with any computer accessories, hardware or software
• Use of technology or accessing sites not approved by staff
• Trespassing in other’s folders, work areas or files
• Utilizing another student’s device without permission

The following sites are prohibited from use:

• Vulgar or lewd depictions of the human body
• Any adult content
• Violent acts
• Online gambling
• Social networking sites (such as Facebook, etc.)
• Sites that encourage the use of illicit or illegal substances
• Sites that advocate hatred or violence against an identifiable group
• Sites promoting criminal activity
• Non-educational games

Our expectation is that students become educated and responsible Digital Citizens. Students who breach any of the above points will be dealt with on an individual basis and may result in:

• Restriction or loss of technology privileges
• Restriction of use or confiscation of personal device
• School based disciplinary consequences: and/or
• Police intervention and/or legal action

It is important that parents/guardians and students remember the following:

• The school is not responsible for the loss, damage, or theft of student electronic devices.
• The school is not able to provide technical support for student devices.
• Devices can only be utilized when students are under the direct supervision of a teacher in an approved area of the school.
• Recording / photographing / filming of another person for an educational purpose can only be done with the other person’s permission
• This recording / photo / film can only be used for the purpose stated and must be deleted when no longer needed
• Devices can only be utilized for educational purposes.
• Misuse will be determined by the staff and administration.

We view digital citizenship as a shared responsibility between students, parents and the school. We appreciate families supporting our work by discussing with their children their role as digital citizens.

*NEW* Digital Device Policy 

As you may have already heard, CBE is implementing restrictions on Personal Mobile Device (PMD) & Social Media Use in Schools effective Aug. 29. This policy will comply with the Ministerial Order provided by the Government of Alberta this past June based on survey feedback provided by families.

CBE cares about the mental health and well-being of students. Restricting access to personal mobile devices and social media is expected to improve student achievement and learning outcomes. CBE strongly recommends students simply leave their devices at home, because in most cases, personal mobile devices are not needed to support student learning.

For students in kindergarten to Grade 9, CBE will use ‘Away for the Day’ guidelines similar to what many schools have been using in recent years.  Personal mobile devices brought to school including cell phones, tablets, gaming devices, laptops, smart watches, Bluetooth speakers/headphones or any personal electronic device that can be used to communicate with or access the internet must be powered off or set in silent mode and stored out of sight for the duration of the school day.

If a student is found to be using a personal mobile device in class without permission from the teacher, the CBE will work with the student to ensure the rules are understood. We rely on good communication and other existing processes to ensure students know what is expected. When necessary, schools will use a progressive student discipline approach in working with students as we do with any other issues or conflict at the school.

These new rules will apply to all students, with exceptions for students using devices for health and medical needs, to support specialized learning needs and for educational purposes.

For students who require access to a personal mobile device for health and medical needs, it is advised that parents complete and submit a Student Health Plan as soon as possible or contact the main office for assistance.

For students who require access to a personal mobile device to support an identified educational need, families should contact the school to discuss this being included as an accommodation or support in the student’s individual program plan (IPP).

For English as an Additional Language Learners who require access to a personal mobile device, a new PMD Exception form will be approved by School Administration in conversation with parents/guardians. 

Also, aligned with the Ministerial Order, the CBE will restrict student access to all known social media platforms on the CBE network.

This policy will be in place for the first day of school. However, it is set to be reviewed in December, 2024. At that time, any feedback from schools will be considered before the Administrative Regulation is finalized as of Jan. 1, 2025.

Thank you for helping us to make this transition successful. For further resources, please view additional information on our website.

First Incident: Verbal Warning  Student is reminded of the expectations regarding responsible use of Personal Mobile Devices and/or social media. 

Second Incident: Confiscation and Parent/Guardian Informed  Student will turn in the mobile device to the teacher, and it will be returned to the student at the end of the school day. Parent/guardian is informed by the teacher. 

Third Incident: Confiscation and Parent/Guardian Involvement  Student will turn in the mobile device to the office and can retrieve the phone at the end of the school day from the office. An Administrator will contact the parents/guardians to inform them of the repeated infractions. 

Fourth Incident: Loss of Privileges

Student will not bring the mobile device to school or will turn it into the office at the beginning of day and retrieve it when they leave for the day.   Further Incident(s) may result in other actions as determined by the administration in consultation with parent/guardian.