Florida Schools Implement Cell Phone Ban for Students

News Summary

On May 2, 2025, Florida lawmakers approved a new bill that bans cell phone usage for elementary and middle school students throughout the school day. The House and Senate passed the bill with significant support, and it awaits Governor Ron DeSantis’s signature. The legislation aims to reduce distractions in classrooms and includes a pilot program for high schools to assess cell phone usage. While many support the ban for its potential academic benefits, concerns about communication during emergencies have also been raised.

TALLAHASSEE, FL – On May 2, 2025, Florida lawmakers passed a significant bill that will prohibit elementary and middle school students from using cell phones during the entire school day. The legislation, known as HB 1105, amends existing rules that only restricted cell phone use during instructional time.

The House voted overwhelmingly in favor, with an 85-14 tally, followed by the Senate’s approval of 26-5. The bill is now awaiting the signature of Governor Ron DeSantis to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Under this law, elementary and middle school students will not have access to their phones from the moment school begins until classes end. This “bell to bell” prohibition was championed by Representative Demi Busatta from Coral Gables, who expressed the need for better focus among younger students.

In addition to the ban for younger grades, the law includes a pilot program that will assess cell phone usage in high schools across six selected counties. High school students will still be allowed to use their phones, but only during non-instructional periods. The counties participating in this pilot program will include a balance of two small, two medium, and two large areas, as determined by the Department of Education.

Support and Concerns

The new legislation has sparked a mixture of support and concern among parents and educators. Many proponents believe that the cell phone ban will significantly reduce distractions in classrooms, allowing students to concentrate more fully on their studies. Survey data has indicated that a notable percentage of teachers feel that cellphone use in classrooms serves as a major distraction, while some students argue that phones can be beneficial educational tools.

However, some parents have expressed serious reservations about the implications of the ban, particularly during emergencies when urgent communication may be necessary. Concerns were voiced over the potential inability for parents to contact their children, especially during field trips or unexpected situations.

Opponents of the bill also highlight risks associated with a lack of communication, recalling tragic events such as the Columbine shooting. Many believe that students should retain access to their phones in case of emergencies to improve safety and communication.

Operational Challenges

As the new rules are set to take effect, schools may face operational challenges regarding enforcement, especially at the high school level. There are apprehensions about how students and faculty will navigate the ban and the potential for tensions between the student body and school administration.

Further Implications

In addition to regulating phone usage, the legislation also provides beneficial funding arrangements for charter schools. Under this bill, charter schools will now be eligible to receive a share of local government infrastructure surtax funding, which could enhance educational resources and facilities.

The upcoming pilot program aims to create a model policy based on the findings from the pilot studies concerning student behavior and academic performance related to cellphone usage. The data collected will be vital in determining the future direction of cellphone regulations in Florida schools.

As the implementation date approaches, school districts across Florida will need to prepare for both the new law and the pilot program, ensuring that they are equipped to handle the changes in cell phone policies effectively.

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Additional Resources

• Tallahassee.com: Florida Bans Student Cell Phone Use in Schools
• Wikipedia: Cell Phone Use in Schools
• Local 10 News: Florida School Cell Phone Ban Expansion
• Encyclopedia Britannica: School
• My News 13: Florida Passes Cell Phone Ban
• Google Search: Cell Phone Use in Schools
• First Coast News: Florida Bill on Student Cellphone Use
• Google Scholar: Cell Phone Use in Education