Blog · Schools
New Brunswick's School Cellphone Ban: What Schools Need to Know in 2026
Yes, and it is tightening. Since September 2026, revised Policy 311 bans personal mobile devices for K-8 students all day, including recess and lunch. Grades 9-12 follow from February 2027, at the start of second semester.
Policy 311, on information and communication technology use, was revised and announced on 31 August 2026. From September 2026, K-8 students must keep devices on silent in a designated area all day, including recess and lunch. Social media is blocked on school networks and devices. Exemptions apply for medical, accessibility or accommodation needs set out in health or personalised learning plans.
New Brunswick first tightened Policy 311 in May 2024, requiring phones in a designated classroom area during class unless a teacher allowed educational use. The August 2026 revision, under Education Minister Claire Johnson, moves to a full-day ban. For Grades 9-12 it takes effect in February 2027. Laptops and tablets stay allowed for learning under bring-your-own-device rules.
Until February 2027, high schools keep the 2024 rule: phones go in a designated classroom area on silent unless a teacher allows them for learning. Screen use in class must support curriculum outcomes. Phones may be confiscated for misuse, with individual plans for students who need devices for essential supports. The changes also limit screen time in licensed child care.
Whatever New Brunswick's Policy 311 requires, lockable pouches let students keep their own phone, locked, from the first bell to the last, so the school does not collect, store or answer for devices. Before The Internet ships lockable pouches and unlocking bases from Toronto to schools across Canada, including in New Brunswick, and can print the school's crest on them. Schools buy them outright: one price, no subscription, lease or per-student annual licence. Send us your student numbers and any written quote you have, and we will beat it.
Frequently asked questions
When does the ban reach high schools?
Grades 9-12 move to the full-day ban in February 2027, at the start of second semester. Until then, phones must be stored on silent in class unless a teacher allows educational use.
Does the K-8 ban cover recess and lunch?
Yes. Since September 2026, K-8 devices must be on silent in a designated area all day, including recess and lunch.
Are there exemptions for medical needs?
Yes. Students whose health or personalised learning plan documents a medical, accessibility or accommodation need can keep using a device.
Related reading
School cellphone bans in Canada · Phone-free schools toolkit · Bell-to-bell school phone policy template
Written by the team at Before The Internet, a Toronto-based phone-free company that rents lockable phone pouches for events across North America and sells them to schools and venues worldwide, shipping purchases to any country.
Planning a phone-free school?
Buying for next term or next year? Send your student numbers and target start date. A person replies within 24 hours with a real figure for your budget, and we ship worldwide.
Name
Work email
Phone
Event date
Headcount
Not sure what you need yet?
Keep reading
Trade shows and launches
Phone-free concerts and festivals