Related videos:
Florida students may face even stricter restrictions on the use of cell phones in schools, according to a new bill introduced on Tuesday.
The FL HB949 (25R) proposes to restrict the use of mobile devices throughout the entire school day, except in areas specifically designated on campus.
The initiative aims to improve academic performance because without cell phones at hand, students will be more focused on their classes. Additionally, the restriction may help reduce cyberbullying and the use of social media in school.
"We are reinforcing this and giving teachers and parents the support they will need," said State Representative Fabián Basabe (Republican from Miami Beach), as cited by the portal Politico.
A national precedent
Florida was the first state in the country to implement restrictions on the use of cell phones in schools, and its initiative has served as a model for other jurisdictions.
In 2023, Governor Ron DeSantis signed a law banning the use of electronic devices during classes, except when authorized by the teacher. Since then, more than a dozen states, both Republican and Democratic, have adopted similar regulations.
Four states - Arkansas, Louisiana, Virginia, and South Carolina - already have regulations that restrict the use of cell phones from the start to the end of the school day.
Experience in Florida schools
Some school districts in the state have already begun to implement stricter restrictions. In particular, the public schools in Orange County have prohibited the use of cell phones throughout the entire school day, including during lunch and recess.
The principal of Timber Creek High School, Marc Wasko, reported that the policy has led to a change in habits among students. Initially, the staff confiscated more than 100 phones a day, but now the number has dropped to just 10 or 15.
Although the bill has received bipartisan support, some critics have expressed concerns about how parents will be able to communicate with their children in case of an emergency.
However, state representative Demi Cabrera (Republican from Coral Gables) downplayed this concern, reminding that in the past, students communicated with their families through the school office.
Doubts in the state Senate
Despite the project's approval in the Educational Administration Subcommittee of the House of Representatives, the proposal still lacks a complementary version in the state Senate.
Instead, the Senate has introduced FL SB1296 (25R), an alternative legislation that proposes conducting a pilot study in six school districts to analyze the effects of the ban. The study would evaluate the impact of the measure on learning and consider exceptions for students with disabilities or medical needs.
If the law is approved, Florida would set a precedent in regulating the use of cell phones in schools, reinforcing its role as a leader in this educational policy.
This year, a law went into effect in Florida prohibiting access to social media for those under 14 years old, a measure aimed at protecting children's mental health and giving parents greater control over their children's online activity.
The regulations establish a total prohibition for those under 14 years old, meaning they will not be able to have accounts on social media. Parental consent is required for those under 16 years of age, meaning that teenagers aged 14 and 15 will need their parents' authorization to access these platforms.
Another requirement is mandatory verification. Platforms must implement an age verification system using third parties to ensure compliance with the law.
Companies are required to cancel the accounts of minors who do not meet the requirements established in the new law, which primarily aims to protect the personal data of minors.
In this regard, companies must permanently delete all information collected from closed accounts.
Ron DeSantis, Governor of Florida, emphasized that this legislation "gives parents greater ability to protect their children" and addresses the increasing mental health issues linked to excessive social media use among children and adolescents.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Ban on Cell Phones in Florida Schools
What does the new bill propose regarding the use of cell phones in schools in Florida?
The FL HB949 bill (25R) proposes to restrict the use of mobile devices throughout the school day, allowing their use only in specifically designated areas on campus. This measure aims to improve academic performance and reduce cyberbullying and the use of social media among students.
Why is Florida leading the restrictions on cellphone use in schools?
Florida was the first state to implement restrictions on the use of cell phones in schools, serving as a model for other jurisdictions. Since the law signed by Governor Ron DeSantis in 2023, more than a dozen states have adopted similar regulations to limit the use of electronic devices during classes.
What impact have cell phone restrictions had in schools in Florida?
In districts like Orange County, where stricter policies have been implemented, there has been a significant change in student habits. Initially, more than 100 phones were confiscated per day, but that number has dropped to only 10 or 15, indicating an adaptation to the new regulations.
What are the concerns regarding communication between parents and children due to this restriction?
Some critics have raised concerns about the difficulty of communication in case of an emergency. However, state representative Demi Cabrera downplayed this worry, reminding that students can use the school office to get in touch with their families, as was traditionally done before the proliferation of mobile phones.
Filed under:
