BROWARD COUNTY, Fla. — With the first day of school in Broward County coming up quickly on Aug. 11, the Broward County School Board had a final discussion and vote Tuesday on the Student Code of Conduct, ultimately approving the Code of Conduct, including keeping the near ban on student cellphone use -- at least for now.
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 discussed whether they should tweak its cell phone policy that requires students’ wireless communication devices to be off or on airplane mode throughout the school day, possibly allowing students to use their phones only at lunchtime.
“Many of us use it to listen to music, check class notes and/or even check in on our mental health apps,” Everglades High School student Taylor Berry said. “That 30 minute window is our reset button.”
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 were opposed to changing the cellphone ban.
“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,” board member Adam Cervera said.
Ultimately, the board only passed directing the superintendent to start the rule-change process. And he has to comply, even though he’s opposed himself.
“It’s the principal in me in dealing with students, social media concerns, cellphone concerns, especially during lunch and classroom changes,” Superintendent Howard Hepburn said.
Students at Tuesday’s meeting were disappointed by the outcome.
“It feels like you don’t care about my opinion, you don’t care about how I feel, you don’t care about things that affect me or my voice,” Berry said.
The superintendent will bring up the “cellphone use at lunch” policy change at a workshop with the school board on Aug. 26.
They’ll finalize the wording and again bring it to a vote, probably in early October.
If passed at that time, the Code of Conduct would be re-sent to families and have to be re-signed mid-year.
Copyright 2025 by WPLG Local10.com - All rights reserved.
