With the first day of school in Broward County approaching on August 11, the Broward County School Board held its final discussion and vote Tuesday on the Student Code of Conduct. The board ultimately approved the Code as is, maintaining the near-total ban on student cellphone use during the school day—for now.
The policy requires students to keep their wireless communication devices off or on airplane mode throughout the school day, a rule designed to reduce classroom distractions and improve student focus. However, the board also directed Superintendent Dr. Howard Hepburn to begin the process of potentially allowing cellphone use during lunch periods.
This marks a shift from last November, when the board first debated the policy and agreed to gather more data and feedback before making changes.
“Society is technologically dependent,” board member Jeff Holness said during Tuesday’s meeting. “One hundred percent restriction could be counterproductive.”
Some board members and community members argue that allowing cellphone use at lunch could be beneficial, noting that phones provide access to educational apps, study tools, and a vital means for students to communicate with family during the day. However, others cautioned against loosening restrictions.
“What should these kids be doing during lunch? You should be eating, socializing, they should have conversations with their friends—go outside, look at the trees, look at the birds,” said board member Adam Cervera, who opposed relaxing the ban.
Despite the debate, the board’s vote stopped short of immediate policy change, instead instructing the superintendent to explore the option further. Dr. Hepburn expressed his opposition to loosening the ban, citing concerns from principals and teachers, especially regarding social media use and distractions during lunch and class transitions.
Students who attended the meeting voiced disappointment with the decision to keep the full-day ban in place for now.
Dr. Hepburn will present the proposed policy change allowing cellphone use at lunch during a school board workshop scheduled for August 26. The board is expected to finalize the policy wording and hold a follow-up vote likely in early October. If approved, the revised Code of Conduct would be sent to families for mid-year re-signing.
The original cellphone ban, which started last year, was controversial, instituting a bell-to-bell prohibition on student phone use—even during lunch. While all board members agree that cellphones have no place in the classroom, a narrow majority now supports allowing high school students to use phones during lunch breaks.
Dr. Hepburn said he supports the all-day ban, citing positive results from its implementation last year, including reduced student conflicts, improved academic performance, and increased face-to-face engagement among students.
“I’ve seen a lot of positives, a lot of plusses in the implementation of the policy last year,” he said.
If the board maintains the current majority view, high school students in Broward County Public Schools could be permitted to use their phones during lunch starting this October.
