Students plan a May 9 walkout to oppose Quebec ’s 2025 cellphone ban in schools, arguing it’s excessive and doesn’t address real classroom challenges.
Student Backlash Builds Over Quebec’s School Cellphone Ban
The Quebec government’s recent decision to ban cellphone use throughout the school day starting in Fall 2025 is drawing sharp criticism—not from educators or parents, but from the very people it affects most: students.
Plans for a coordinated walkout are gaining momentum across social media, with thousands of students preparing to send a strong message to policymakers.
“Banning Isn’t the Answer”: Students Organize May 9 Protest
The initiative began with a series of TikTok videos posted earlier this week, where a student declared:
“The youth have gone on strike!”
The posts quickly went viral, racking up nearly 900,000 views in just two days. The campaign encourages students to skip school on Friday, May 9, in protest of what they say is an overreaching and unfair policy.
“If I need to call my mom, I should be able to call my mom,” one student told CTV News.
The Government’s Goal: More Focus, Less Screen Time
The province says the cellphone ban is aimed at reducing classroom distractions and encouraging social interaction among students. The policy applies to all elementary and high schools in Quebec, and will prohibit phone use throughout the entire school day.
But students argue it overlooks the nuanced role phones play in communication, learning, and emergencies.
Officials Urge Students to Stay in Class
Education Minister Bernard Drainville acknowledged the growing movement but strongly opposed the idea of students walking out.
“There are several ways to voice your displeasure, but missing school shouldn’t be one of them,” he said during a press briefing.
With final exams approaching, Drainville is calling on parents to help discourage participation and keep students focused on academics.
“This could injure their capacity to finish the school year with the results that we’re hoping for them,” he warned.
School Boards Issue Firm Warnings
In response to the planned protest, some schools have taken pre-emptive measures:
- A Montreal high school sent letters to parents stating that all absences must be justified, and unexcused ones could lead to disciplinary action.
- The English Montreal School Board (EMSB) also reminded families that students are expected to attend classes, especially as many schools are now in “examination mode.”
“Disruptions to classroom teaching and exams will not be tolerated,” said the EMSB memo.
A Divided Student Body
Not all students are convinced a walkout is the right move.
“Skipping school is, like, too far,” one student admitted.
Still, others are committed to the cause.
“I’ll show my support in any sort of way that I can,” another said.
As the Friday walkout approaches, Quebec’s classrooms are becoming a flashpoint for a broader debate about youth rights, digital access, and education policy.
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