Should students be allowed to have cellphones in school? A Florida county considers banning them, including at lunchtime

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. – A final vote could come Tuesday on whether to limit cellphone use in Volusia County classrooms.

The policy up for review at the Volusia County School Board’s 4:30 p.m. meeting aims to ban elementary and middle school students from using cell phones or other wireless gadgets throughout the school day, which includes lunch breaks and when moving between classes.

The move aligns with a new Florida law aimed at minimizing distractions in the classroom.

“We always say that phones are good for connecting,” Superintendent Dr. Carmen Balgobin said. “But also, you have to disconnect to reconnect.”

For high school students, the proposed regulation would permit phone usage during class time solely if a teacher grants permission for educational purposes; otherwise, devices must remain unused.

Some parents, like Neshelle Matos, say they understand both sides of the debate.

“I understand the measures they’re taking, and I do support the difficulty in managing schools with cell phones,” Matos expressed. “However, as a parent, I want the capability to contact my child whenever necessary.”

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District officials emphasized that the policy would not ban students from bringing phones to school but rather limit their use during school hours.

If the board votes in favor of the plan, the new restrictions will take effect when students return for the upcoming school year.

News 6 will have continuing coverage of the board’s decision on air and online.