OCALA, FL (352today.com) – Florida House Bill 1105, passed by Florida Legislature and Gov. Ron DeSantis, sparks debate about the need and use of cell phones in classroom settings for elementary and middle school students. The bill prohibits elementary and middle school students from using cell phones throughout the school day while limiting high school students to using cell phones during non-instructional times or for educational purposes allowed by instructors during class periods. Classrooms will have teacher-designated storage areas and board-adopted usage zones for students who bring their cell phones to class and do not have medical or educational exemptions for their use. The bill was passed on May 30 and was put into effect on July 1 and will be put into action during the next school calendar year.
Alachua County Public Schools new phone policy
Some schools have begun implementing the new policies in their own ways. Alachua County public schools has released a statement saying that at all elementary and middle schools, students will not be permitted to use their cell phones but would have access to “district-approved instructional technology throughout the school day.” They also stated that high school students would not be permitted to use their cell phones during instructional time, however, middle and high school students may use their phones during extracurricular activities.
Marion County Public Schools new phone policy
Marion County Public Schools lists their own policies in their student code of conduct, stating that “Cell phones and similar wireless devices may be in the possession of students on campus but cannot be visible or activated during regular school hours.” They continue to state that students may use cell phones and other wireless devices while being transported to and from campus as long as their devices aren’t a disruption. Misuse of electronic devices such as cell phones, ear buds and smart watches on campus include use during instructional hours without prior permission from teachers or paraprofessionals in classroom settings.