In response to new state legislation and growing concerns over classroom distractions, the Brevard County School Board is moving toward a significant change in its student cell phone policy. The proposal under discussion would ban the use of cell phones during the entire school day, bell to bell for all students, from kindergarten through 12th grade.
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House Bill 1105, recently passed by the Florida Legislature, mandates that elementary and middle school students (K–8) may not use wireless communication devices during the school day. High school students may only use phones during instructional time when explicitly directed by a teacher for educational purposes. The law allows teachers to designate areas for device storage during class.
However, a separate section of the bill instructs the Florida Commissioner of Education to pilot a stricter policy in six selected districts during the 2025–2026 school year. These pilot districts would completely ban personal electronic device use throughout the school day for high school students. Brevard County may be selected or could choose to adopt the stricter standard voluntarily.
While the law mandates limitations for K–8, the Brevard School Board appears poised to expand the policy to high school students as well. Several board members voiced support for banning phone usage entirely throughout the instructional day, including hallways and lunch periods.
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Board Member Megan Wright said she had supported a full-day ban in the past and saw even more reason to support it now. “They are not being used for educational purposes,” she said. “We have an opportunity to do something bold for the benefit of our students and teachers.”
Matt Susin echoed the sentiment, citing studies linking phone use with reduced academic performance and increased mental health issues. “Every principal I spoke with told me: ban them,” he said. “Cell phones are hurting learning. We owe it to our kids.”
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2 Years ago, the messaging was quite different.
Board Member Katye Campbell offered a dissenting view, arguing for a more nuanced approach. She acknowledged cell phones can be a distraction but emphasized the need to prepare students for adulthood and to teach responsible use.
“Students use phones for legitimate learning—recording music solos, filming for yearbook, or even just taking a picture of the board,” Campbell said. She also stressed parental expectations. “Parents want to communicate with their kids, not just during emergencies. That’s why the Legislature didn’t go further.”
Concerns were raised about enforcement and consistency. Some members warned that inconsistent policy application across schools could lead to confusion. Board Member Megan Wright advocated for a clear, districtwide implementation date rather than allowing principals to phase in enforcement at their discretion.
Board Chair Gene Trent suggested a full media and training blitz in August, with implementation shortly after Labor Day, mirroring successful rollouts in Orange and Pasco Counties. “Teachers want their classrooms back. This is about recapturing instructional minutes,” he said.
The proposed changes will appear on the June 24 board agenda, with a final vote expected on July 29. If approved, the policy would begin with a robust public awareness campaign before being enforced districtwide early in the 2025–2026 school year.
Key elements of the proposed policy include:
K–8: Absolute prohibition of phone use during the school day.
High School: Ban on usage during the school day, including hallways and lunch, with exceptions only before and after school and on school buses.
Enforcement: Teachers and administrators would be expected to consistently apply the rules, with training and community education efforts beginning in August.
The board emphasized that parents could still contact students through the school front office, just as in the past.
As Brevard County considers becoming one of Florida’s most restrictive districts on student phone use, community feedback will be critical in the coming weeks. A public hearing is expected before final adoption.
