Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and teachers’ unions find common ground on smartphone restrictions in classrooms, aiming to enhance student focus and learning.
At a Glance
- Gov. DeSantis signed bills to restrict social media use and limit cell phone use in classrooms
- 61% of parents and over 90% of principals support banning cell phones in schools
- Florida became the first state to ban student cellphone use during instructional time in 2023
- The National Education Association supports policies to keep phones away from students during lessons
- Research links excessive phone use to reduced mental effort and changes in brain development
DeSantis Takes Action on Classroom Distractions
In a move aimed at improving student focus and learning outcomes, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has taken decisive action to address the growing concern of smartphone distractions in classrooms. The Governor recently signed several bills affecting Florida schools, including measures to restrict social media use and limit cell phone use during instructional time.
“It gives teachers the authority to establish classroom rules on cell phone and device use during instructional time,” DeSantis said.
The legislation allows teachers to set rules on device use, even permitting them to require students to hand over their phones during class. This move is part of a broader effort to create a more focused learning environment and address the detrimental effects of excessive smartphone use on students’ cognitive and emotional well-being.
Bipartisan Support for Phone Restrictions
The push to limit smartphone use in classrooms has garnered support across party lines, uniting parents, administrators, and politicians. A 2022 study revealed that 61% of parents support banning cell phones in classrooms, with consistent support across different racial and socioeconomic groups. Additionally, a 2020 survey found that over 90% of principals support restricting cell phones, citing harm to academic performance.
The National Education Association, typically at odds with Governor DeSantis on many issues, has found common ground on this matter. The union supports policies to keep phones away from students during lessons, with 90% of its members in favor of such measures.
Florida Leads the Way
Florida became the first state to ban student cellphone use during instructional time in 2023, setting a precedent for other states to follow. This move has sparked similar initiatives across the country.
The new legislation also bans TikTok on school Wi-Fi and networks, further restricting social media access during school hours.
Addressing Concerns and Implementing Solutions
While critics argue that phones are necessary for emergencies, proponents of the ban suggest that excessive phone use may actually contribute to school violence and hinder emergency response. To address these concerns, many schools are implementing “bell-to-bell policies” that require students to turn in their phones at the start of the day or class.
Research supports limiting student cellphone use, with studies linking heavy phone use to negative effects such as reduced mental effort, loneliness, and changes in brain development. A U.S. Surgeon General’s report noted an “inability to exert prolonged mental effort” associated with excessive smartphone use.
