Does the policy ban more than cell phones?
Yes. Under the policy, all wireless communication devices are banned for students in all grades. These devices include computers, tablets, e-readers, phones, smart watches, smart glasses, earbuds and other headsets and any other kind of "web-enabled" device, according to the policy.
Students with disabilities who rely on their devices for accessibility or health monitoring purposes may keep their devices on with approval from their principal, according to the policy. These devices must be listed on a student's Individualized Education Plan, Section 504 Accommodation Plan or Health Care Plan.
Weren't electronics already banned?
Under the previous policy, students were already prohibited from using cell phones in classrooms. But the updated policy expands that language and restricts teachers from allowing the use of cell phones and other devices for instructional purposes.
The biggest change to the new policy is that it completely bans students of all ages from using any electronic devices at any point during the school day. Wireless communication devices must be powered off or placed in vibrate/silent mode and stored out of sight from the first to final bell of the day, according to the new policy.
Under this update, students may not use their devices at lunchtime, in the hallways or anywhere else on school property.
The policy also cuts language that would allow teachers or principals to approve the use of electronics for instructional purposes.
When does the policy take effect?
The policy won't take effect for 30 days following the Aug. 12 meeting, which would be Sept. 11. However, at the Aug. 12 board meeting — where numerous students and parents spoke against the policy before its approval — community members said it was already being enforced.
This is likely because the 2025-2026 student code of conduct says that students may not have their devices out during the school day, using similar language to the new policy. Punishments for those who break the rule vary, from device confiscation to a five-day out-of-school suspension. The type of punishment used is determined based on how many times a student has violated the rule, as well as if they have captured video, photos or recordings of another student or staff member without their consent — considered a "serious offense," according to the code of conduct.
When the board approved the policy at the Aug. 12 meeting in a 4-1 vote, with Katye Campbell voting against it, they agreed to immediately work on a revised version of the policy to potentially allow the use of electronics in class with the approval of a principal or teacher for grades 9 through 12.
"This policy is about getting kids off their phones and back into the moment,” Rendell said in a statement sent to media. "We want students focused, connected, and engaged — not distracted by screens."
Didn't Florida pass a law on cell phones in school?
In spring 2025, Florida passed a law — HB 1105 — that expands restrictions on electronics usage at school. The law bans students in grades K-8 from using any wireless device from "bell to bell."
High school students can still use their phones outside of class, according to the law, and they may use their phones in class if allowed to do so by a teacher.
Brevard's policy expands the language of the law, banning cell phone usage for every grade level.
Florida was the first state to restrict the use of cell phones and other devices in 2023, which banned the use of wireless devices during instructional time except at the discretion of teachers. Indiana and Ohio were quick to follow suit with similar laws. While most states don't ban the use of electronics, most at least require or recommend that school districts have policies regarding how and when students may or may not use their personal devices.
Finch Walker is the education reporter at FLORIDA TODAY. Contact Walker at fwalker@floridatoday.com. X: @_finchwalker. Instagram: @finchwalker_.
https://www.floridatoday.com/story/news/education/2025/08/20/brevard-schools-electronics-ban-what-to-know-about-updated-policy/85710563007/
