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Pursuant to the Technology in K-12 Public Schools law (CS/HB 379), section 1006.07(2)(f), Florida Statutes, states that "a student may not use a wireless communications device during instructional time, except when expressly directed by a teacher solely for educational purposes. A teacher shall designate an area for wireless communications devices during instructional time."
On July 23, 2024, the School Board of Broward County, FL voted to limit access to wireless communication devices for students during instructional time unless authorized by their teacher or other school staff member. Instructional time is defined as the time from the first bell of the day until the end of the school day, including passing periods and lunchtime. It is important to distinguish that this is not a ban on cell phones or other technology; it is meant to elevate student learning and allow students to Disconnect to Reconnect in a distraction-free environment.
*Wireless communication devices include, but are not limited to, cell phones, tablets, laptops, headphones, earbuds, AirPods, smartwatches and any other internet-accessible communication devices.
Starting in the 2024/25 school year, the Wireless Communication Devices Policy will begin. The first two weeks of the school year, from Monday, August 12 through Friday, August 23, 2024, students will have a ‘grace period’ as they adjust to the policy. During this time, communications will be sent to parents/guardians and no disciplinary consequences will be implemented.
The Wireless Communication Devices Policy will be implemented and enforced beginning Monday, August 26, 2024.
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What is the rationale for students not having access to their wireless communication devices during passing periods and lunchtime?
Elevate student learning
Prioritizing school as a place for learning that is distraction-free. This can help students stay focused on academics and maintain a learning mindset throughout the school day.
Reconnect
Help students reconnect by encouraging face-to-face interaction and foster stronger interpersonal relationships with students and staff.
Reduce Cyber-bullying
Eliminating the opportunity for students to have pictures and videos captured of them by other students without their permission during the school day.
Minimizing inappropriate use of social media
The inappropriate use of social media is a problem throughout the country. Students will not be able to use social media during the school day.
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What is considered instructional time?
Instructional time is defined as the time from the first bell of the school day until the end of the school day, including passing periods and lunchtime.
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Can students have wireless communication devices on school campus?
Students can have cell phones and other wireless devices on Broward County Public Schools property, on school transportation, and during school activities. However, during instructional time, these devices must be turned off or set to airplane mode.
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Can students have wireless communication devices on the school-provided transportation?
Students can use their wireless devices on school buses to and from school because that is outside of instructional time. However, using their devices on school buses during field trips, which are part of instructional time, depends on the decision of the staff member in charge of the trip.
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Where do students keep their cell phones or wireless communication devices when not in use?
In a designated area chosen by school staff, students can use their wireless devices only if a teacher or staff member authorizes or directs them to use the devices for educational purposes.
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Can students use earbuds or headphones on school campus?
Wireless communication devices (including earbuds, headphones and smartwatches) are prohibited during instructional time unless authorized by a school staff member for educational purposes.
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Will students receive a discipline referral for violation of the Wireless Communication Device Policy?
Yes. The policy will be enforced, and consequences will be given starting August 26, 2024, two weeks after school begins.
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What are the consequences for students who violate the Wireless Communication Device Policy?
Violations of this policy will result in confiscation, and the device will only be released to the parent/guardian. Neither the School Board of Broward County nor its employees will be held liable for wireless communication devices or other personal technology that are lost, stolen, or confiscated.
* Additional details are provided in the Code of Student Conduct.
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Will accommodations be made to the Wireless Communication Device Policy for students with documented needs?
Students will not receive discipline if they use their cell phone or wireless communication device to monitor a health condition that is documented through medical records provided to the school, including, but not limited to, an IEP, a Section 504 Plan, or a Health Plan.
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How can a parent contact their child during the school day?
A parent should call the school if they need to get a message to their student. School personnel will relay that message to the student. In an emergency, a student will be removed from class and directed to the nearest office.
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How can a student contact their parent /guardian during the school day?
A student who has an emergency and needs to contact their parent/guardian during the school day will be permitted to do so from the nearest office.
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In a school-wide emergency, will students have access to their phone?
In a school-wide emergency, students will have access to their devices as student devices will be in a designated area nearby.
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What devices fall under the Wireless Communication Device Policy?
Wireless communication devices include, but are not limited to, cell phones, tablets, laptops, headphones, earbuds, AirPods, smartwatches and any other internet-accessible communication devices.
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When will the confiscated devices be returned to students?
Confiscated devices must be picked up by a parent/guardian during the school’s designated device pick up times. Parents will be contacted if their child’s device has been confiscated.
