High school students across Coral Springs are finally allowed to use their cell phones during lunch breaks beginning today under a new district policy change
Coral Springs, Florida – Starting today, high school students in Coral Springs and across Broward County can finally check their phones at lunch without breaking school rules. After months of debate and divided opinions, the Broward County School Board voted to modify its districtwide cell phone ban, allowing limited use of personal devices during lunchtime for grades nine through twelve.
The decision, passed narrowly in a 5-4 vote during Tuesday’s board meeting, marks a notable shift from the stricter policy enacted last year that banned student cell phone use throughout the entire school day. Middle and elementary school students remain under the same full-day restriction, but high schoolers now have a small window of digital freedom.
Superintendent Howard Hepburn released a video statement Wednesday morning clarifying the new policy and reminding students that the change is limited to lunchtime. “Based on a decision by the school board, students in grades nine through 12 in high school can utilize their cell phone or electronic device during lunch,” Hepburn said. “But during class changes and classroom instruction time, the current policy is still in effect. You must get teacher or admin permission to use your device in class. You cannot use your device during class change.”
The updated policy reflects growing pressure from students and parents who argued that the total ban was overly restrictive and disconnected from the realities of modern communication. A district survey revealed widespread support for allowing phone use at lunch, with many families citing convenience and safety reasons.
Still, the board’s debate over the change was far from unanimous. Members who voted against the revision raised concerns about screen addiction, distraction, and the mental health effects of excessive technology use among teens. Board member Allen Zeman was among the most vocal opponents, warning that loosening the policy could undo progress made toward minimizing digital dependency.
“Federal law says that social media companies will never be held liable for addicting our children,” Zeman said. “It’s an insane law. Our obligation is to take care of the kids, keep them away from these addictions, and to make sure that they are in the safest and most secure environment.”
Zeman’s remarks echoed national conversations about the growing impact of social media and smartphones on student focus, self-esteem, and emotional well-being. Several other board members agreed, noting that even small allowances could make it harder to enforce boundaries during the rest of the day.
But supporters of the new policy argued that balance—not restriction—was the better path forward. Board member Rebecca Thompson, who voted in favor of the change, emphasized that high school students deserve trust and autonomy, especially when they have advocated for it so thoughtfully.
“I really have an issue with people characterizing our students as zombies, or that they can’t pay attention, or that business communities complain about how they’re acting,” Thompson said. “Our students, especially our high school students, are the next leaders of our generation. They have advocated for the possibility of having this at lunch. They have given us reason after reason to do this. Their parents would like them to have this opportunity. Principals would like them to have this opportunity.”
Thompson added that the board often asks for community feedback, and when students and parents overwhelmingly express a preference, that input should be taken seriously.
Many students have already welcomed the decision, viewing it as a sign that the district is willing to listen. Landyn Spellberg, a student advisor to the school board, praised the new policy in a district-released video, saying it strikes a fair balance between responsibility and practicality.
“It’s nice to be able to have a cell phone as an option in case you know you need a ride home or get in touch with a family member,” Spellberg said. “So, certainly appreciative of the board’s action today to expand the time when students can use their cell phones.”
The new rule takes effect immediately, meaning students across Coral Springs’ high schools are now free to scroll, text, or call during their lunch breaks—something many say will make their school day feel a little more flexible and connected.
District officials will monitor how the policy plays out in the coming months to determine whether it enhances student well-being without disrupting school order. For now, high schoolers have won a small but significant victory in the ongoing conversation about technology and education—a reminder that even in a digital age, compromise and communication remain key.
