Ontario is considering an outright ban on cellphones in schools, and is looking at restricting social media for kids under a certain age, Ontario Education Minister Paul Calandra says.
“We’re reflecting on a wider ban on cellphones. 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,” Calandra told reporters during an announcement about building new schools in the London, Ont. area Tuesday.
The comment came after Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew said recently that his province would move to become the first province to ban kids from using social media.
Asked whether the Ontario government would consider something similar, Calandra said “absolutely” but added that Manitoba is not going far enough.
“We are going to be working closely with the federal government with respect to a broader social media ban, frankly, for kids under a certain age. I know the federal government is interested in that,” Calandra said.
“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.”
It wasn’t immediately clear what part of Manitoba’s plan would not go far enough. The province has not yet publicly unveiled all the details of its proposed restrictions.
Paul Calandra Ontario Education Minister Paul Calandra speaks with reporters near London, Ont. Tuesday, April 28, 2026.
There has been growing public concern in recent years about the potential harms of social media for kids, including the addictive nature of the platform, exposure to online predators and cyberbullying.
In terms of the cellphone ban, Calandra said there would be exemptions for health and other valid reasons.
In 2024, Ontario moved to restrict cellphone use during school hours. Students in kindergarten to Grade 6 have to keep phones on silent and out of sight for the entire school day, while those in Grades 7 to 12 cannot use their phones during class time unless explicitly allowed by the teacher.
Suspended trustees not returning soon
Calandra also said he is not planning to reinstate suspended school board trustees anytime soon.
“Trustees will be reinstated across supervised boards when we feel that the boards are on track and not before, and I don’t see across any of the supervised boards where boards are ready to be put back into the hands of trustees and away from supervisors,” Calandra said.
He also defended his decision not to allow supervisors he’s appointed to run the school boards to speak with reporters, saying they are “not media personalities.”
His comments come a day after fiery exchanges in committee hearings over Bill 101 – the Ford government’s proposed legislation to modify school board governance. Among other things, the law would put a CEO in charge as the top official at each school board, and cap the number of trustees.