Broward School Board keeps code of conduct, directs rulemaking on high‑school lunchtime phone access

The School Board of Broward County on Thursday adopted a revised Code of Student Conduct and directed the superintendent to begin rulemaking to consider allowing students to use cell phones during the lunch period at high schools.

Supporters said a limited lunch exception would give students a needed moment to check in with family, manage jobs and responsibilities, and use tools for mental‑health support. Student speaker Taylor Berry, president of Miramar's Youth Advisory Council and an Everglades High School student, told the board: "I'm simply asking for access to our own devices during the 1 break we get in our day." Board members who supported the direction cited student and parent surveys indicating strong support for lunch access.

Opponents warned of harms tied to social media, cyberbullying and instructional disruption. Public commenter Vincente Thoreau said cell phones "have become a tool to bully kids" and urged the board to keep strict boundaries. Several board members also cited…