Introduction to the Cellphone Ban

The Broward School Board is considering relaxing a policy that bans cellphones for students during the school day. Currently, all Broward students are prohibited from using their cellphones from the morning bell until dismissal, under a policy passed last year in hopes of improving mental health and academics among students.

Background of the Policy

This year, the state Legislature passed a law that makes the ban statewide for students in kindergarten through eighth grade. The state law allows high school students to use the devices during non-instructional time, although school districts can impose stricter regulations, such as the one in Broward. The policy has been a topic of debate, with some arguing that it has led to improved mental health and academic outcomes, while others claim that it has been difficult to enforce and has frustrated parents and students.

Study on the Effectiveness of the Policy

A recent study by Florida Atlantic University found that teachers and administrators shared anecdotal benefits to the cellphone ban, but “there was no conclusive evidence connecting the policy to improved academic achievement or mental health outcomes.” The study also found that many students, parents, and school officials felt the roll-out of the policy was haphazard and that enforcement has been inconsistent.

Proposed Changes to the Policy

Superintendent Howard Hepburn is recommending that the full-day ban be maintained for high school students. However, a majority of School Board members have voiced support for allowing students to use the devices during lunch. They argue that the policy has led to inconsistent enforcement and has frustrated parents and students.

Support for Relaxing the Policy

Board members Lori Alhadeff, Adam Cervera, Debbi Hixon, Jeff Holness, and Rebecca Thompson have expressed support for relaxing the policy. They argue that high school students should be allowed to use their cellphones during lunch, citing the need for students to relax and socialize during this time. High school principals also overwhelmingly support allowing students to use their devices at lunch, citing the need for students to contact their parents or siblings to coordinate after-school activities.

Opposition to Relaxing the Policy

However, not all School Board members support relaxing the policy. Members Sarah Leonardi, Nora Rupert, and Allen Zeman argue that student cellphone use is harming students’ mental health and that the policy has had positive results. They cite research from Jonathan Haidt, a social psychologist at New York University, who has attributed social media to the decline of teen mental health and the rise of political dysfunction.

Broward high school students may get to use their cellphones during lunch during the upcoming school year, as the Broward School Board considers relaxing a policy that bans the devices all day.

Right now, all Broward students are prohibited from using their cellphones from the morning bell until dismissal, under a policy the School Board passed last year in hopes of improving mental health and academics among students.

This year, the state Legislature passed a law that makes the ban statewide for students in kindergarten through eighth grade. The state law allows high school students to use the devices during non-instructional time, although school districts can impose stricter regulations, such as the one in Broward.

Now Broward’s frequently debated policy is up for consideration again, as the School Board plans to vote Tuesday on the Student Code of Conduct for the 2025-26 school year.

Conclusion

The Broward School Board’s consideration of relaxing the cellphone ban policy is a complex issue with valid arguments on both sides. While some argue that the policy has improved mental health and academic outcomes, others claim that it has been difficult to enforce and has frustrated parents and students. The decision to relax the policy will depend on the School Board’s evaluation of the evidence and their consideration of the needs and concerns of students, parents, and school officials.

FAQs

Q: What is the current policy on cellphone use for Broward students?
A: Currently, all Broward students are prohibited from using their cellphones from the morning bell until dismissal.
Q: What is the proposed change to the policy?
A: The proposed change is to allow high school students to use their cellphones during lunch.
Q: What are the arguments in favor of relaxing the policy?
A: The arguments in favor of relaxing the policy include the need for students to relax and socialize during lunch, and the difficulty of enforcing the policy.
Q: What are the arguments against relaxing the policy?
A: The arguments against relaxing the policy include concerns about the negative impact of cellphone use on mental health and academic outcomes.
Q: When will the School Board vote on the policy?
A: The School Board plans to vote on the policy on Tuesday.