A recent survey conducted by Telemundo 51 and NBC6 revealed that more than 1,200 educators in South Florida overwhelmingly support a ban on cellphones in classrooms. The poll also highlighted growing concerns about the impact of artificial intelligence on the educational environment.
A striking 87% of the surveyed teachers are in favor of prohibiting students from using cellphones throughout the school day, regardless of grade level. Additionally, 94% voiced fears over the influence of social media on their students' mental well-being.
“Phones are great, but they need to be put away in classrooms. We need that opportunity to teach during the limited time we have,” stated Nany Howard, a teacher from Miami-Dade Public Schools.
Marlén Lanza, another educator, pointed out the constant comparison fostered by social media: “The issue is kids compare themselves: 'Look at her life, his possessions, what they do. I don’t do anything, I don’t have this or that.' That's when depression sets in.”
Challenges in Enforcing Cellphone Restrictions
Despite existing cellphone restrictions in both Miami-Dade and Broward, 52% of respondents admitted that enforcing these rules is challenging. In Broward, devices must be off or in airplane mode from kindergarten through eighth grade, and only allowed during lunch in high school with educational exceptions. In Miami-Dade, personal devices are banned for kindergarten through eighth graders, while high school usage is permitted for academic purposes with teacher approval.
AI Raises Additional Concerns
The survey also gathered insights on artificial intelligence, with 79% of teachers worried about students using AI tools to cheat on assignments and exams. Thais García emphasized, “Students cheat in exams if we’re not vigilant. They use Meta Glasses, phones, or switch tabs to find answers.”
Moreover, 64% of teachers indicated their schools do not provide adequate guidance on responsible AI use among students.
Regulatory Measures Lag Behind Educator Concerns
This survey was released shortly after Florida's Board of Education approved new state rules on AI use in public education, impacting students from kindergarten through 12th grade. These regulations—among the strictest in the nation—require parental consent before students engage with AI tools, mandate human supervision, and prohibit systems that simulate emotional companionship or covert psychological profiling.
These rules are in addition to a law, effective from July 2025, banning cellphones in Florida's primary schools, which restricts device use for kindergarten through eighth-grade students during the entire school day, with further limitations for high schoolers.
However, the new AI regulations will not be implemented until the 2027-2028 academic year, a timeline that many teachers, as reflected in the survey, view as insufficiently urgent.
FAQs on South Florida Teachers' Support for Classroom Cellphone Ban
Why do South Florida teachers support banning cellphones in classrooms?
The teachers believe that banning cellphones will enhance the educational environment by reducing distractions and allowing them to focus on teaching during limited class time.
What are the concerns regarding AI in schools?
Educators are worried about the potential for students to use AI tools to cheat on assignments and exams, as well as the lack of adequate guidance on responsible AI use.
What new regulations has Florida implemented regarding AI in education?
Florida's new regulations require parental consent for student interaction with AI tools, mandate human supervision, and ban systems that simulate emotional companionship or conduct covert psychological profiling.