In May of 2023, Governor Ron DeSantis signed a bill prohibiting students from using their cell phones during class time. The bill was enforced in July of 2023, with the intention of bringing back traditional education because, according to DeSantis, social media does “more harm than good,” as reported in the Orlando Sentinel. While this phone prohibition is officially Florida law, the implementations of the phone policy vary based on school district.
According to the National Education Association, those school leaders who are in favor or the cell phone ban argue that a “cell- phone free environment will lead to less incidents of cyber bullying, improve attendance, and reduce time on social media,” which in turn will help students’ mental health and increase their chances of academic success. Additionally, some students at OFHS agree that phone policy is beneficial to their education.
For instance, one 10th grader thinks that students “are able to focus on their work more” when they don’t have their phones in class. Similarly, Fenix White says that the policy “encourages students to stay off their phone during class,” which helps students concentrate on what is being taught.
However, despite some positive uproar, many students detest the new phone policy. According to one 10th grader, the phone policy is harmful because “The students that use their device as a learning tool are no longer able to”, which can make information and resources inaccessible to students when they don’t have a laptop in class. Additionally, Fenix White says that another downside to the new phone policy is that it limits communication between parents and their students. As mentioned by White, if something were to happen at home, then “Parents need to get ahold of their students quickly and efficiently,” and vice versa. Furthermore, White says that she has had issues “with the office not passing down information very efficiently to students from parents,” meaning that the bill may amplify this problem. Some students, like Fenix, “tend to feel more secure” with their cell phone on them at all times, and don’t feel as safe at school when they aren’t allowed to have their phone in their pocket.
Even though some Warriors say students aren’t completely following the policy, Mrs. Bowling, office clerk, says that she’s “only collected one” phone. Although “(Guidance) has collected more,” and has “around three or four” phones during the month of August.
While House Bill 379 is most known for how it bans phones, the bill does more than that. According to the Florida Senate, the bill also limits students to “age-appropriate subject matter,” “protects the safety and security of students when using e-mail,” “prohibits access to data and information” as well as “unlawful activities online,” and prevents the use of websites, software, and applications that do “not protect against the disclosure, use, or dissemination of students’ personal information.” The bill also says that when directed by a teacher, students can use their phones for educational purposes only. As well as that, teachers must “designate an area” for devices during instructional time.
Ultimately, despite the many opinions surrounding House Bill 379, it is in place and making changes to Florida’s school systems.
House Bill 379 Summary: 2023 Bill Summaries – The Florida Senate (flsenate.gov)
