Broward County Public Schools Superintendent Howard Hepburn emphasized a cooperative approach to the district’s new cellphone policy during a press conference on Tuesday.
The policy, which restricts student access to wireless communication devices during instructional time, is set to be implemented this school year.
“We don’t want it to end up in a suspension,” Hepburn stated. “That defeats the purpose. Now you’re disengaged totally from the whole entire learning process because you’re not in our building.”
Instead, Hepburn expressed that the district aims to support students as they adapt to the new rules, referring to it as a “journey.” He highlighted that students would still be allowed to use cellphones if a teacher permits it for instructional purposes.
The new policy, approved by the School Board of Broward County on July 23, 2024, limits student access to wireless devices during instructional time, which includes the entire school day from the first bell to the last, as well as passing periods and lunchtime. The policy is designed to minimize distractions and promote a focused learning environment. It is not a complete ban on cellphones but rather a measure to encourage students to “Disconnect to Reconnect.”
In line with Florida law, the policy states that students may not use wireless devices during instructional time unless expressly directed by a teacher for educational purposes. Teachers are required to designate specific areas for device use during instructional periods.
Hepburn assured that accommodations would be made for students with special needs or medical issues. He advised parents to contact their child’s school principal to discuss any necessary exceptions.
Despite the district’s intentions, the new policy has met with significant opposition from parents and students. An online petition calling for the district to revoke the cellphone restrictions has garnered over 18,000 signatures, with more than 300 added on Tuesday alone.
The petition, started by Anthony Stewart, argues that the policy could lead to social isolation and disrupt students’ ability to communicate and collaborate effectively. Concerns about safety have also been raised, with many parents citing the potential risks in emergency situations.
“My phone is how I can be sure where my son is. If there’s an emergency, his phone needs to be on him,” wrote Patricia Bordenkircher, one of the many commenters. “Responsible use is expected but in today’s world, we need to be able to find & reach our kids.”
The district’s new cellphone policy will be closely watched as the school year progresses, with the hope that a balanced approach can be found to satisfy both educational goals and safety concerns.
