Back to school sees changes to improve health and safety

A sure sign that summer is soon coming to a close is the sight of school kids headed back to class.

One of the big changes for students in K-12 is the new cellphone policy that aims to cut down on screen time during school hours. The policy removes the distraction of digital devices in order to help improve learning outcomes and support better mental health.

The Greater Victoria School District (SD61) began welcoming students back yesterday, as did other regional school districts as well as the University of Victoria, Camosun College and Royal Roads University.

BC’s post-secondary schools will also have a new presence on campus as the province rolls out new strategies to prevent toxic-drug poisonings.

“The toxic-drug crisis continues to have a devastating impact on families and communities in BC, and the impact on students has been heartbreaking,” BC’s Minister of Mental Health and Addictions said in a media release.

Staying safe at work, at home and at school is fundamental to enabling all of us to reach our potential. As a new school year begins, the sense of hope and optimism is palpable, serving as inspiration to keep working together to build good business and great community for all.