Introduction to the Bill
A proposal to prevent students from using cellphones and other wireless devices during the school day, not just during instructional time, is headed to the full House.
The Education & Employment Committee on Wednesday unanimously approved the proposal (HB 949), which also would require school districts to designate areas where students may use devices.
Purpose of the Proposal
Bill sponsor Demi Busatta, R-Coral Gables, said the proposal doesn’t define wireless devices to account for medical devices and to capture the “new gadget or gizmo that comes out.”
The proposal comes two years after lawmakers barred students from using cellphones and other wireless devices during instructional time.
Expected Outcomes
Committee Chairwoman Jennifer Canady, R-Lakeland, said the goal of Busatta’s bill is to create an environment where students can thrive.
A Senate proposal (SB 1296), which cleared the Education Pre-K-12 Committee on Monday, would require the education commissioner to craft a statewide policy based on findings from six school districts that would ban the use of cellphones and other devices during the school day throughout the 2025-2026 academic year.
Real-Life Examples
In Broward County Public Schools, academic performance is up and school fights are down, the school district says, after they banned cellphones.
School board member Dr. Allen Zeman said in January that school fights were down 17% from this same point last year, and he says anecdotal evidence from school administrators shows the reason for the decline is the restrictive cellphone policy.
Conclusion
The proposal to ban cellphones in schools is a step towards creating a more focused and safe learning environment. By limiting the use of wireless devices during the school day, lawmakers hope to improve academic performance and reduce distractions. As the bill moves to the full House, it will be interesting to see how it is received and whether it will become a law.
FAQs
- Q: What is the purpose of the proposal to ban cellphones in schools?
A: The purpose of the proposal is to create an environment where students can thrive by limiting distractions and improving academic performance. - Q: How does the proposal define wireless devices?
A: The proposal does not define wireless devices to account for medical devices and to capture new gadgets or gizmos that may come out. - Q: What are the expected outcomes of the proposal?
A: The expected outcomes include improved academic performance and a reduction in school fights. - Q: Are there any real-life examples of the success of banning cellphones in schools?
A: Yes, in Broward County Public Schools, academic performance is up and school fights are down after they banned cellphones.
