VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. – A final vote Tuesday has limited cellphone use in Volusia County classrooms, putting the district in line with a new state law.
The new policy, which was unanimously approved, restricts elementary and middle school students from using phones or other wireless devices during the school day, including during lunch and hallway transitions.
“We always say that phones are good for connecting,” Superintendent Dr. Carmen Balgobin said. “But also, you have to disconnect to reconnect.”
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Under the proposal, high school students would still be allowed to use phones during instructional time only — if a teacher gives permission for educational purposes. Otherwise, devices would need to remain out of use.
Some parents, like Neshelle Matos, said they understand both sides of the debate.
“I get what they’re doing, and I support the fact that it’s hard having schools with cellphones,” Matos said. “But as a parent, I want to be able to contact my child when I need to.”
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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.
The new restrictions go into effect for the upcoming school year.