Taylor Knoll— Mustangs Ahead
(LAKEWOOD RANCH, FL) — A new phone policy was implemented in Florida schools this year restricting when students can use their devices.
Florida state statute allows students to use their phones only before school, after school and at lunch, unless explicitly told otherwise by a teacher. The transportation department is also banning phones on buses.
Junior Olivia Holden thinks that banning phones during the school day would be beneficial for learning.
“It will help students be more on task in the day without distractions,” said Holden.
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Junior Myla Adams rode the bus to both elementary and middle school, and she appreciates how students' behavior on buses is more manageable without the use of phones, but only within reason.
“When I used to ride the bus, I felt like the rules were weirdly relaxed. However, I do believe there is a middle ground, and the current rules feel like they are on the opposite side of the spectrum,” said Adams.
Manatee Schools Director of Transportation Jamie Warrington provided his insight into the phone bans on buses.
“Buses are an extension of the classroom, and with the new legislation banning phones in classrooms that rule just carries over to buses,” said Warrington.
Warrington noted that students’ cell phones should be always powered off and in their backpacks while on the buses.
These policies are universal to all students for the 2025-2026 school year.