Student Cell Phone Policy

P.K. Yonge is informing families of new statewide legislation aimed at regulating student cell phone use during the school day. Florida’s House Bill 1105 specifies guidelines for all public schools and will impact students from kindergarten through 12th grade. This will be an adjustment for all students and parents. Again, these restrictions for cell phone use at schools are now statute in Florida for all schools, not just for P.K. Yonge.  The bill includes the following provisions:

• Prohibits device use by K-8th Grade students during the school day, from the start of the instructional day to the end of the instructional day. 
  • K-5th Grade students may not have wireless communication devices between 8:00 am and 2:45 pm.
  • 6th-7th Grade students may not have wireless communication devices between 8:20 am and 3:03 pm.
  • 8th Grade students may not have wireless communication devices between 8:30 am and 3:00 pm.
• Prohibits 9th-12th grade students from using devices during instructional time, except as authorized by the teacher; teachers will specify where devices should be stored. They cannot be on a student’s person.
• Provides exceptions for medical or educational needs. 

This legislation goes into effect for P.K. Yonge Developmental Research School on Monday, August 11, 2025. More information on House Bill 1105, lines 1146-1173.  Kindergarten-8th Grade Students may possess a wireless communication device on school property or while attending a school function, but they are not allowed to use it at any time during the school day from the start of the instructional day to the end of the instructional day.  9th-12th Grade Students may possess a wireless communications device but may only use it outside of class time - or when a teacher gives explicit permission for instructional purposes. Devices must be stored in teacher-designated areas during instructional time.  PK will provide access to telephones for students who need to contact families during times when they are prohibited from using their personal device.   Wireless Communication Device Discipline Students in violation of the policy will receive an automatic behavior referral.  *Wireless communication devices include but are not limited to cell phones and/or auxiliary/ancillary devices such as watches and ear buds. Wireless Communication Device Confiscation Wireless communication devices will be confiscated, labeled with the student's name, and held in the main office. Students may not check out their confiscated devices. Devices will only be released to parents during campus hours of 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Parents will need to sign for devices in person.  P.K. Yonge Wireless Communication Device Policy The below is excerpted from the 2025-2026 P.K. Yonge Code of Conduct, page 25.  Pursuant to the Technology in K-12 Public Schools law HB 1105, which took effect on July 1, 2025, section 1006.07(2)(f), Florida Statutes, now provides that students in grades K-8 may not use a wireless communication device at anytime during the designated school day and students in grades 9-12 may not use a wireless communications device (WCD) during instructional time, except when expressly directed by a teacher solely for educational purposes. A teacher shall designate an area for wireless communications devices during instructional time." The Code of Student Conduct requires that all wireless communications device(s)* for all grade levels be silenced and put away (in a backpack or purse) during class time. *Wireless communication devices include but are not limited to, cell phones and/or auxiliary/ancillary devices such as watches and ear buds. Students in grades 9-12 may use WCDs before the first school bell, between classes, after the final dismissal bell, on school buses, at school-sponsored activities, at extended day and other after-school activities, and at other times provided the use does not interfere with activities in which students should be engaged and follows the directives of the school staff, faculty, or administration. Drivers of school vehicles may suspend the use of WCDs on school vehicles if their use becomes disruptive or distracting. Students who violate these rules will be subject to disciplinary action and/or confiscation of their personal WCD by school staff, faculty, or administration. Also, students may lose the privilege to bring personal WCDs to school for a designated length of time. The Principal or designee may search a student’s WCD if they reasonably suspect that the WCD has been used to violate school policy. Notice that use of a wireless communications device includes the possibility of the imposition of disciplinary action by the school or criminal penalties if the device is used in a criminal act.