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Broward County, FL - The Broward County School Board met Wednesday to consider potential changes to the district’s cellphone policy, which mandates students keep their devices off or in airplane mode throughout the school day.
The policy, designed to reduce distractions and improve focus, has sparked mixed reactions from board members, educators, and the community.
Board members proposed a more flexible solution, suggesting students be allowed to use their phones during lunch breaks rather than maintaining an all-day ban.
They argue that providing a designated time for phone use during non-instructional periods could benefit students without disrupting learning.
Supporters of modifying the policy emphasized the role of technology in modern life, arguing that phones can serve as valuable tools that offer access to educational apps, study resources, and emergency communication.
Not all board members were in favor of relaxing the policy, as data suggests it takes students 20 minutes to refocus after a distraction and that phone use during lunch could undermine the overall effectiveness of the restrictions.
Educators and community members echoed these concerns, emphasizing the difference between productive and distracting phone use.
In response, the board decided to gather more data on the policy’s impacts on student’s behaviors and academic performance before making a final decision.
The board aims to revisit the issue at a future meeting with clearer insights into how phones are currently being used in schools and the effectiveness of the current restrictions.
For now, the district’s policy remains unchanged, requiring students to keep their phones off or on airplane mode during the school day.