Introduction to New Cellphone Policy
Lunchtime may also be cellphone time again for Broward high school students.
The School Board voted 5-4 on Tuesday to amend a policy that had banned all student use of cellphones from the morning bell until dismissal. The restriction has now been lifted for high school students, who can talk, text, surf the web and listen to music during their lunch period starting on Wednesday.
Background of the Policy
The restriction on cellphone use was initially put in place due to national research that concluded the overuse of cellphones can hurt students academically, mentally and socially. However, a study conducted by Florida Atlantic University of Broward’s policy produced more mixed results. Some teachers and administrators cited anecdotal benefits of the cellphone restrictions but “no conclusive evidence connecting the policy to improved academic achievement or mental health outcomes.”
Decision to Relax the Rule
Five of the nine board members supported relaxing the rule following complaints by students and parents, as well as concerns from administrators that the lunch policy was tough to enforce on large high school campuses. “I believe there is adequate research to suggest that excessive use of cellphones is problematic,” said board member Jeff Holness, who voted to change the policy. “However, limited use of cellphones during lunch time, which will probably be about 15 to 20 minutes at most, can also be beneficial. There are arguments on both sides.”
Supporters of the New Policy
Holness was joined by Chairwoman Debbi Hixon and board members Rebecca Thompson, Maura Bulman and Lori Alhadeff. They noted that the district has embraced technology in other ways, launching an artificial intelligence program with Microsoft and approving an initiative to issue laptops to students later this school year. “I don’t know that we can celebrate AI and then be super dismissive and critical of other technologies,” Bulman said. “That just doesn’t make any sense to me.”
Opposition to the New Policy
But the four dissenting board members — Adam Cervera, Sarah Leonardi, Nora Rupert and Allen Zeman — said they felt strongly that the policy shouldn’t change. Leonardi said administrators have told her that the policy has resulted in a reduction in fights and bullying and improved students’ social interactions with other students. “I see the positive progress we’re making with our kids, and it would be devastating to reduce or take away the opportunity these kids have to interact with each other without the restrictions of a phone,” she said.
Superintendent’s View
Superintendent Howard Hepburn had also been a proponent of the ban. Zeman asked him on Tuesday whether his views had changed. Hepburn said they had not. Hepburn said he knows most students disagree with him, but he said he’s received troubling reports from business leaders who have complained of students who “are socially inept” and “don’t know how to collaborate and communicate with each other.” “Not to mention all the social ills that segue into our schools with social media, using their free time at school also,” Hepburn said.
Mental Health Perspective
Thompson, whose background is in mental health, said that’s not the way she views students. “I really have an issue with people characterizing our students as zombies or that they can’t pay attention or that business communities complain about how they’re acting,” she said. “Our students, especially our high school students, are the next leaders. They have advocated for the possibility of having this at lunch. They have given us reason after reason to do this. Their parents would like them to have this opportunity.”
Implementation of the New Policy
The majority of board members wanted the new policy to take effect on the first day of school this year. But the rule was not included when the School Board voted on the annual student code of conduct in July. Major changes to the student code of conduct policy require a certain amount of public notice as well as a discussion in a workshop, General Counsel Marylin Batista told the board in July. School Board members decided they couldn’t delay passing the student code of conduct because it contained other provisions that are required to comply with recent state laws passed by the state Legislature.
Other Business
In other business during Tuesday’s meeting, the School Board also announced that Batista, a longtime district lawyer, is resigning as general counsel. Her last day will be Jan. 9.
Conclusion
The new policy allowing high school students to use cellphones during lunch has sparked debate among board members, administrators, and students. While some argue that it will have negative effects on students’ social interactions and academic performance, others believe that limited use of cellphones can be beneficial. The policy change is a step towards finding a balance between embracing technology and promoting responsible use of cellphones in schools.
FAQs
- Q: What is the new policy on cellphone use in Broward high schools?
A: The new policy allows high school students to use cellphones during their lunch period. - Q: Why was the policy changed?
A: The policy was changed due to complaints from students and parents, as well as concerns from administrators that the lunch policy was tough to enforce on large high school campuses. - Q: What are the restrictions on cellphone use in schools?
A: Cellphones will still be banned all day for students in kindergarten to eighth grade, and students in all grades are prohibited from using their phones during instructional periods, unless authorized by a teacher for academic purposes. - Q: When will the new policy take effect?
A: The new policy took effect on Wednesday. - Q: Who supported the policy change?
A: Five board members, including Jeff Holness, Debbi Hixon, Rebecca Thompson, Maura Bulman, and Lori Alhadeff, supported the policy change.
