Some students plan to stage walkout to protest Quebec’s new cellphone ban in schools

Students in Quebec are planning a walkout on Friday to protest the Quebec government's plan to ban cellphones in schools next school year.

The cellphone ban coming this fall in Quebec schools isn’t sitting well with some students.

Students who spoke to CTV News on Thursday say they disagree with the ban, calling it unfair and going too far.

“If I need to call my mom, I should be able to call my mom,” one student told CTV News on Thursday.

Last week, the provincial government announced plans to ban phones in elementary and high schools for the entire school day starting in Fall 2025. The government said the decision was made to promote socialization among youth and to reduce distractions during school time.

Now, students are planning a walkout to protest the new measure and the move is gaining traction on social media.

However, school boards say there could be consequences if students miss class.

“The youth have gone on strike!” one student says in a series of TikTok videos, calling on his peers to stay home on Friday.

The goal is to send a message: “Banning them is not the answer.”

He argues the ban won’t fix the root problems and the message is spreading. In just two days, the four videos racked up nearly 900,000 views.

They’ve caught the attention of Education Minister Bernard Drainville, who says skipping class is a “bad idea.”

“There are several ways to voice your displeasure but missing school shouldn’t be one of them,” he told journalists at the National Assembly Thursday.

“I’m calling upon parents to help us out with this.”

Drainville wants students to stay in class, especially with exams around the corner.

“Because this could injure their capacity to finish the school year with the results that we’re hoping for them,” he added.

Some schools are taking precautions

CTV News obtained a letter from one Montreal high school, telling parents they’ll need to justify any absences and warns that unexcused ones could result in consequences.

The Montreal French-language school service centre told CTV News that any absence must follow the usual rules.

Meanwhile, Quebec’s largest English public school, the English Montreal School Board (EMSB), said in a memo to parents on Thursday that students are expected to be in school during regular school hours.

“During this time of the year, schools are in examination mode and disruptions to classroom teaching and exams will not be tolerated,” the memo stated.

“The safety and security of EMSB students and staff remains our priority at all times.”

Still, some students feel a walkout could make a difference.

“I’ll show my support in any sort of way that I can,” said one student.

But not all are on board.

“Skipping school is, like, too far,” one student told CTV News.

Another said: “I don’t know if it’s the smartest thing to do.”