Ontario is considering a “outright ban” on cellphones, along with tighter restrictions on social media and artificial intelligence use, in schools, the province’s education minister said.
“I think the evidence is becoming more and more clear that cellphone use in our schools—elementary and our secondary schools—anywhere on site, has become a problem,” he said.
Calandra said any potential ban would include exemptions for health-related needs where appropriate.
His remarks come as several other jurisdictions in Canada move to restrict youth access to phones, social media, and AI tools.
Speaking at an NDP fundraiser in Winnipeg on April 25, Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew said his government plans to ban the use of social media and AI chatbots in schools. Earlier this month, federal Culture Minister Marc Miller said Ottawa is examining the possibility of nationwide age limits on social media platforms, following policy discussions within the Liberal Party.
Calandra said Ontario is reviewing other provinces’ approaches and may go further.
“We’re reviewing what Manitoba has done. I think it’s a good opportunity for us in Ontario, but doesn’t go necessarily as far as we would like it to go—but it is a good step,” he said.
Internationally, Australia has introduced a nationwide ban on social media for children under 16, which took effect on Dec. 10, 2025.
Calandra said Ontario would work with the federal government on any potential age-based restrictions if they are adopted in Canada.
Schools were also directed to restrict social media access on school networks and devices.
The province cited a 2023 UNESCO report that found a negative link between excessive cellphone use and student academic performance, noting that students can take up to 20 minutes to refocus after a distraction.
