New state law leads to changes in guidelines for use of devices at school

Press release from Alachua County Public Schools

ALACHUA COUNTY, Fla. – A new law passed by the Florida Legislature (HB 1105) significantly limits when students may use cell phones or other personal wireless communication devices, such as smartwatches, earbuds, headphones, and tablets. In keeping with the new law, Alachua County Public Schools is revising its guidelines on the use of those devices in schools for the 2025-2026 school year.

At all elementary and middle schools and at High Springs Community School, Oak View Middle School, Hawthorne Middle/High School, and A. Quinn Jones School, personal wireless communication devices must be powered off and out of sight from arrival to the campus to departure from the campus.

At high schools (except for Hawthorne and A. Quinn Jones, which follow the elementary/middle guidelines) and at Sidney Lanier, students may not use their devices during instructional time unless a teacher permits it for educational purposes.

Middle and high school students may use their devices during extracurricular activities.

Students in Alachua County Public Schools have access to district-approved instructional technology throughout the school day.

Families who need to reach their child due to an emergency or other safety concern should contact their school’s front office directly.

The district is sending emails, phone calls, and text messages to families, informing them of the changes. The new guidelines are also being posted on Facebook and on the district’s website. A cell phone web page is available at alachuaschools.net/cellphones. The page includes links to the district’s revised Codes of Student Conduct (elementary and secondary), which provide more details about cell phone/wireless device guidelines for the different grade levels.