The Globe and Mail reports in its Friday, Aug. 16, edition that a ban on the use of electronic devices will be implemented for students from kindergarten to Grade 8. A Canadian Press dispatch to The Globe reports that high school students will be allowed to use their devices during breaks and lunch, but not during class time. The purpose of these bans is to reduce distractions. This decision in Manitoba comes after Saskatchewan's recent announcement to prohibit the use of devices in all classrooms starting in the 2024-25 school year. Premier Wab Kinew stated that the NDP government made the decision after listening to feedback from the education system, rather than feeling pressured to follow the example of Saskatchewan. Some school divisions in Manitoba have already imposed similar bans. Last year, Manitoba's francophone school division banned cellphones in all of its schools. The Hanover School Division in Southern Manitoba conducted a pilot project in one of its schools last year to evaluate the effectiveness of a ban. After consulting with principals, the school board and parent councils, they found support for implementing a policy change for kindergarten to Grade 8, which is set to begin this school year.