Bay County School Board adopts bell-to-bell ban on student wireless devices

The Bay County School Board on July 22 adopted policy 51.36, a “bell-to-bell” rule that requires students K–12 to turn off and stow wireless devices from the start of the school day to its end, with limited exceptions for teacher-directed instructional use.

The policy returned to the board after a 30-day advertising period required for revision. Superintendent McQueen told the board the language mirrors policies several large Florida districts have used for the past two years and noted a recent Florida statute addressing cell phone use in schools. "When you think about Orange County ... Hillsborough ... Broward County ... they've moved to this type of language," McQueen said, adding districts have reported higher grades and fewer discipline referrals after similar policies were implemented.

Board members heard a short public comment period during the required hearing before voting. A member of the public asked whether “bell to bell” meant classroom-level bells or the district’s first-to-last bell; staff clarified it refers to the entire school day, from the morning bell to the afternoon dismissal bell. The policy permits administrators to authorize limited device access for instruction and to designate specific areas or one-on-one exceptions.

The motion to adopt was made by Mr. Moore and seconded by Mr. Register. The roll-call vote recorded Miss Leonard, Mr. Moore, Mr. Chester, Mr. Register and Chairman Moss as voting in favor; the motion carried unanimously.

Board counsel and staff said the policy is consistent with a recent Florida statute that requires districts to address phone use in elementary and middle schools; Bay County’s version extends the restriction to high schools to match other large districts.

The board returned to its regular agenda after the vote; no additional implementation schedule or effective date beyond standard administrative rollout was specified at the hearing.