In 2024, all provinces in Canada introduced some form of personal device restriction policies in schools. This comparative provincial policy map was developed using publicly available information from policy announcements, directives, and related documents released by provincial education ministries. While the details vary, the policy rationale across most provinces is similar: to reduce distractions and improve student focus, foster positive peer interactions, address negative social interactions in schools, improve academic achievement, and mitigate social media–related harms such as cyberbullying.

The map compares provincial policies on several key aspects, including how devices are defined, the scope of restrictions, whether stakeholder consultations were conducted or recommended for school boards, the enforcement guidelines provided, and links to relevant policy documents. Notably, no province has introduced or signaled plans for tracking and evaluating how these policies are implemented. While some provinces outline consequences for infractions and a few indicate that devices can remain with students, most leave the specific enforcement approach — particularly regarding storage arrangements — to local school authorities.