In 2023, Florida became the first state in the nation to require public schools to ban the usage of cell phones during class time. Pursuant to the Technology in K-12 Public Schools law (CS/HB 379), section 1006.07(2)(f), Florida Statutes requires that local school boards not only adopt policy that prohibits the use of wireless devices – including cellphones, tablets, smartwatches and ear buds – during class time, but that they also teach students the effects of social media on social, emotional and physical well-being. Another provision of the bill (HB 379) further prohibits the use of TikTok on devices owned by school districts and through internet access provided by districts.
These bans are driven by several key factors aimed at enhancing the educational environment and addressing various concerns related to technology usage. Here is a detailed look at the reasoning behind the bans:
- Minimizing Distractions
Cell phones can be a significant source of distraction in the classroom. Notifications, social media, texting, and games can divert students’ attention away from instructional activities, potentially impacting their learning and academic performance.
- Preventing Academic Dishonesty
Cell phones can facilitate cheating during exams and assignments. Students might use their phones to look up answers, share information with others, or access unauthorized resources, which undermines academic integrity.
- Reducing Cyberbullying
The use of cell phones in school can contribute to cyberbullying, where students might harass or intimidate others through text messages, social media, or other digital platforms. By restricting phone usage, schools aim to reduce opportunities for such negative behavior.
- Protecting Privacy
Cell phones often have cameras that can lead to unauthorized photography or video recording within the school environment. This raises concerns about student privacy and the potential misuse of images and/or videos.
- Encouraging Face-to-Face Interaction
The overuse of cell phones can limit face-to-face interactions among students which is crucial for developing social skills and building relationships. By limiting phone usage, schools are encouraging more direct communication and engagement.
- Ensuring Safety and Security
In an increasing number of cases, cell phones can be used to orchestrate or escalate conflicts among students, potentially leading to violence or disruptions. Banning phones helps maintain a safer and more controlled environment within schools.
- Improving Focus and Learning Outcomes
Research has shown that students who are not distracted by cell phones tend to maintain better academic focus, thus increasing educational performance. By restricting phone use, schools aim to create a learning environment where students can concentrate more effectively on their studies.
- Managing Technology Integration
Schools often need to manage how technology is integrated into the educational setting. Banning personal cell phones helps ensure that any technology used in the classroom is purposefully chosen and aligned with educational goals and Florida standards, rather than being a source of distraction.
Districts across the state are incorporating these new restrictions in various ways depending on the unique needs of their student population. Some are designating times when schools might allow cell phone use during specific times, such as breaks or lunch periods, while maintaining restrictions during instructional time. Others are enforcing more stringent policies where students are required to leave their phones in lockers, store their phones in pouches that cannot be accessed until the end of the day, or a few districts have banned any use of cell phones in school buildings. Most policies, however, typically include provisions for emergency use, where students can use their phones in case of urgent situations, with proper permission.
When integrating cell phones into the school environment, it’s important for schools to establish clear policies and guidelines to balance the benefits of technology with the need to minimize potential negative impacts. Neola policy 5136 – Wireless Communication Devices serves as a template to guide districts through the process of drafting their policies while ensuring they remain in compliance with state law. Neola staff members are well-versed in the policies and procedures of other Neola districts throughout Florida and can share how these districts have tailored this policy language in various ways.
The relationship between social media and increased school violence is a complex and multifaceted issue. While social media itself isn’t a direct cause of violence, its use can contribute to factors that may escalate conflict or aggression among students. Overall, the ban on cell phone usage in classrooms and the integration of digital citizenship curriculum focused on teaching students about responsible phone use, including the impact of social media and online behavior aim at fostering a more focused, secure, and effective learning environment.