The Globe and Mail reports in its Wednesday, Aug. 7, edition that the Saskatchewan government has announced that students from kindergarten to Grade 12 will not be allowed to use cellphones in class in the upcoming school year, following the example of other provinces. A Canadian Press dispatch to The Globe reports that critics argue that this decision is diverting attention from more urgent issues such as funding. Education Minister Jeremy Cockrill stated that phones often distract students from their lessons, and the aim is for students to focus on their teachers and learning while in the classroom. Saskatchewan is now joining provinces such as Alberta, British Columbia, Quebec, Ontario and Nova Scotia in implementing restrictions on cellphones in schools. Mr. Cockrill emphasized that parents, families and teachers have voiced concerns about this issue in their respective provinces. While some classrooms in Saskatchewan already forbid cellphones, he said the aim is to create consistent rules across the province. He said details of enforcement are to be left up to school divisions. The Minister said he has spoken with teachers and received feedback from the Saskatchewan School Boards Association.