With the first day of school in Broward County coming up quickly on Aug. 11, the Broward County School Board is having a final discussion and vote Tuesday on the Student Code of Conduct, specifically looking at the student cellphone use policy.
The last time the school board met on this issue was back in November when they agreed to get more data and feedback.
“Society is technologically dependent,” board member Jeff Holness said at the meeting. “One hundred percent restriction could be counterproductive.”
The school board could potentially tweak its cell phone policy that requires students’ wireless communication devices to be off or on airplane mode throughout the school day.
“I believe we should adjust to use it at lunchtime,” board member Debbie Hixon said. “It’s hypocritical to allow teachers and security [to use phones].”
The rule, intended to minimize classroom distractions and improve focus, has sparked debate among board members and the public.
Some say students can use their phones productively as it gives them access to useful apps, study tools, and emergency communication, acknowledging the essential role technology plays in daily activities otherwise.
But others, including board member Sarah Leonardi, say they have spoken with students about the proposed rule change, and it opens the door to more issues.
“The students said because they can’t use [phones] during lunch, they forget about their phones,” Leonardi noted. “Data says it takes 20 minutes to refocus. During lunch, it negates the impact of restriction in the first place.”
Tuesday’s discussion on the cellphone use policy is expected to begin at 8:30 a.m.
