Brevard Public Schools Makes Modifications to Wireless Communications Device Policy
During a recent Brevard Public Schools board workshop, officials discussed modifications to the Wireless Communication Device Policy to better support high school learning.
Beginning September 2, students in grades 9–12 will have two new options for using personal technology:
Instructional Use of Personal Devices: With the expressed direction of a teacher and the approval of the school principal, students in grades 9–12 may use their personal laptops, tablets, or electronic readers solely for educational purposes.
Designated Use in the Front Office: With the expressed approval of the school principal or designee, students in grades 9–12 may use their wireless communication device within the designated area of the front office.
These updates aim to balance focus with flexibility as we continue shaping tech-smart classrooms.
Frequently Asked Questions
■ Can BPS students have cell phones or Wireless Communication Devices on campus?
A student may possess a wireless communications device while the student is on school property or in attendance at a school function; however, all students may not use a wireless communications device during the school day. All wireless communication devices must be either powered completely off, or placed into vibrate/silence mode, and stored out of sight during the school day. The school day is defined as from the first morning bell to the last dismissal bell.
With the expressed direction of a teacher and the approval of the school principal, students in grades 9–12 may use their personal laptops, tablets, or electronic readers solely for educational purposes.
■ What if my child attends a junior/senior high school?
With the expressed direction of a teacher and the approval of the school principal, students in grades 9–12 may use their personal laptops, tablets, or electronic readers solely for educational purposes. However, no provision to this rule exists for middle school students.
■ What devices fall under the BPS Wireless Communications Device policy?
Wireless communication devices include computers, tablets (e.g., iPads and similar devices), electronic readers(“e-readers”; e.g., Kindles and similar devices), cell phones (e.g., mobile/cellular telephones, smartphones (e.g., BlackBerry, iPhone, Android devices, Windows Mobile devices, etc.), smart watches, smart glasses, air buds/ear buds, Bluetooth Audio, wireless headsets, telephone paging devices (e.g., beepers or pagers), and/or other web-enabled devices of any type.
■ Where do students keep their cell phones or Wireless Communication Devices during the school day?
All wireless communications devices must be either powered off completely (or placed into vibrate/silence mode) and stored out of sight during school hours.
■ What is the rationale for students not having access to their Wireless Communication Devices during lunch and transitions?
Focus on learning: Prioritizing school as a distraction-free environment where learning is the priority.
Cyber-bullying: Limiting/eliminating the opportunity for students to have pictures and videos taken of them by other students without their permission.
Minimizing inappropriate use of social media: The inappropriate use of social media is a problem throughout the country. Students will not have the opportunity to use social media during the school day.
■ Can a student use earbuds or headphones on school campus?
Wireless communication devices (including earbuds, headphones, and smartwatches) are prohibited during the school day from the first morning bell to the last dismissal bell.
■ Will students receive a discipline referral for a violation of the BPS Wireless Communications Device policy?
Yes – After the transition period ending on September 2, 2025.
■ Will accommodations be made to the BPS Wireless Communications Device policy for students with documented needs?
Students will not receive discipline if they use their cellphone or wireless communication device to monitor health conditions that are documented through medical records provided to the school through an IEP, a Section 504 Plan, or a Health Plan.
■ In the event of a school-wide emergency, will students have access to their cell phones?
All wireless communications devices must be either powered off completely (or placed into vibrate/silence mode) and stored out of sight during school hours. In the event of a schoolwide emergency, students will have access to their devices. Monthly drills are not considered a school-wide emergency.
■ 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 the event of an emergency, a student will be removed from class and directed to the front office.
■ How can a student contact their parents during the school day?
A student who has an emergency and needs to contact their parents during the school day will be permitted to do so from the front office. With the expressed approval of the school principal or designee, students in grades 9–12 may use their wireless communication device within the designated area of the front office.
■ What are the consequences for students who violate the BPS Wireless Communications Device policy?
Please refer to the Code of Student Conduct regarding corrective actions for violations of the wireless communication device policy.
At no time shall the School Board be responsible for theft, loss, or damage of cell phones or other electronic devices brought onto district property. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the wireless communications device policy, don’t hesitate to get in touch with your child’s school principal.