On July 1, 2025, Florida House Bill 1105, including new provisions regarding student use of cell phones and other wireless communication devices in schools, became law. As a result, Pinellas County Schools will implement the following new rules in the 2025-26 school year, and these rules will supersede the current policy.

Elementary & Middle Schools

• Students may not use of cell phones or other wireless communication devices during the school day (bell to bell).
• Teachers no longer have the discretion to allow usage during instructional time for educational purposes.

High Schools

• No changes to current policy because the new law did not impact high school students.

These updates do not change existing provisions allowing for use pursuant to a student’s IEP, 504 Plan, or Health Care/Medical Plan, or in case of emergency.

The Code of Student Conduct will be formally updated to reflect this and other new laws during the first semester of the 2025-26 school year.

Parents are advised that the best way to get in touch with their child during the school day is by calling the child’s school office.

Pinellas County Schools recognizes the ever-increasing importance of technology in students’ lives and the beneficial role it can play for student education and communication when used responsibly. The possession and use of such devices should not interfere with academic instruction, student safety or a positive school climate.

A. Definitions

As used herein, the terms below are defined as follows:

“Wireless communication devices” are devices that have the ability to receive and/or transmit any communication without a cable connection, which may include, but is are not limited to, cell phones headphones, earbuds, and tablets. This definition also includes any current or emerging wireless handheld technologies or portable information technology systems developed for similar purposes.

“Off position” means powered completely off, and is not simply set on a vibrate, silent, standby, hibernation or airplane mode.

“Silent mode” means no audible alerts or vibrations.

“Instructional school day” is the time of day within the bell times approved by the School Board for that school.

B. Authorized Possession and Use of Cell Phones and Other Wireless Communication Devices

All students may possess a wireless communication device at school, during a school-sponsored activity, and during school-sponsored transportation. However, students may not use a wireless communications device 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, in accordance with s. 1006.07, F.S. For purposes of this policy, the designated area is a non-visible secure location, such as the student’s locker, backpack, purse or pocket.

All students must store wireless communication devices, headphones and earbuds in a designated area, except when otherwise directed by a teacher. For purposes of this policy, the designated area is a non-visible secure location, such as the student’s locker, backpack, purse or pocket.

Further, use of wireless communication devices, headphones and earbuds must be stored in accordance with the following rules by grade level.

1. Elementary School Students

Elementary school students must keep wireless communication devices in the off position throughout the instructional school day, and while participating in a school-sponsored activity on or off campus, unless otherwise directed by a teacher. Students are permitted to use their wireless communication devices after the end of the instructional school day, if needed to communicate with parents regarding the coordination of transportation.

Headphones and earbuds are not allowed during the instructional school day or while participating in a school-sponsored activity on or off campus, unless otherwise directed by a teacher. When allowed, after the end of the instructional school day, headphones and earbuds are restricted to minimal volume, only to be heard by its user. Due to school safety concerns, one ear must remain free of the accessory at all times during authorized use.

2. Middle School Students

Middle school students must keep wireless communication devices in the off position throughout the instructional school day and while participating in a school-sponsored activity on or off campus. Students are permitted to use their wireless communication devices before and after the instructional school day.

Headphones and earbuds are not allowed during the instructional school day or while participating in a school-sponsored activity on or off campus, unless otherwise directed by a teacher. When allowed, before and after the instructional school day, all headphones and earbuds are restricted to minimal volume, only to be heard by its user. Due to school safety concerns, one ear must remain free of the accessory at all times during authorized use.

3. High School Students

High school students must keep wireless communication devices in the silent mode or off position during instructional time within all class periods. However, students may not use a wireless communication device during instructional time, except when expressly directed by a teacher solely for educational purposes. In addition, students are permitted to use their wireless communication devices before and after the instructional school day, during lunch, and when transitioning between classes.

All headphones and earbuds are restricted to use before and after the instructional school day and during lunch. When allowed, all headphones and earbuds are restricted to minimal volume, only to be heard by its user. Due to school safety concerns, one ear must remain free of the accessory at all times during authorized use.

C. Other Acceptable Use of Cell Phones and Other Wireless Communication Devices

Wireless communication devices are permissible in the following circumstances:

1. Smartwatches: The district recognizes that some parents will provide their student with smartwatches for safety reasons, emergency communication purposes, or location tracking. All of the rules applicable to wireless communication devices apply to smartwatches; however, students may wear smartwatches only in silent mode during the instructional day so there will not be disruption to the classroom. Smartwatches may not be worn during district and state assessments.

The Unauthorized Use of Cell Phones and Other Wireless Communication Devices section applies to the misuse of smartwatches

2. IEP, 504, or Health Care/Medical Plan:. Students may use wireless communication devices during class time when authorized pursuant to an Individual Education Plan (IEP), a Section 504 Accommodation Plan, or a Health Care/Medical Plan with supportive documentation from the student’s physician.

3. Health, Safety or Emergency: Students may use wireless communication devices in the event of a health, safety or emergency situation.

4.  Teacher directed use of a wireless communication device solely for educational purposes.

D. Unauthorized Use of Cell Phones and Other Wireless Communication Devices

A student’s possession, display or use of wireless communication devices on school property contrary to the provisions of this policy shall be viewed as the unauthorized use of wireless communication devices when such possession, display or use of such devices results in conduct that includes, but is not limited to:

1. Interference with or disruption of the instructional or educational environment within the classrooms or the school.

2. Use which violates academic integrity, as the reproduction of images of tests, communication of test or examination contents or answers, to provide access to unauthorized school information, or assistance to students in any aspect of their instructional program in a manner that violates school board policy or the Student Code of Conduct.

3. Use during district and state assessments, students may not have any electronic or recording devices, including but not limited to, smartphones, tablets, personal computers, tablets, cell phones, or electronic games, in their pockets, at their desk or anywhere they can reach them, before, during, or after the testing session. Possession of any electronic device that reproduces, transmits, records, or calculates (except for the State approved calculator), will result in the student’s test being invalidated.

4. Use in locker rooms, restrooms, swimming areas, and any other location where there is a reasonable expectation of privacy.

5. Wireless communication devices may not be utilized to take photographs, videos or audio recordings while at school, during a school-sponsored activity, or during school-sponsored transportation without prior consent..

6. Use to commit a crime, under federal or state law including but not limited to cyberbullying, sexual harassment or threats.

7. Use in a manner that is profane, indecent, obscene, threatening, discriminatory, bullying or harassing language, pictures or gestures.

E. Responsibility/Liability for Cell Phones and Other Wireless Communications Devices

Any student who chooses to bring a wireless communication device to school shall do so at their own risk and shall be personally responsible for the security of their wireless communication device(s). School Board staff are not responsible for preventing theft, loss, damage, or vandalism to wireless devices brought onto school property, or left on school-sponsored transportation, including any wireless communication device(s) confiscated due to inappropriate use.

View the PCS Student Code of Conduct