News Summary
Florida’s Governor signed House Bill 1105, banning cellphones in elementary and middle schools. A survey by the University of South Florida reveals mixed impacts on students’ mental health and academic performance. While some students feel relieved by the ban, others report increased anxiety and depression. The legislation also addresses issues like cyberbullying and suggests the need for further research on digital media’s effects in educational settings.
Tampa, Florida – In a move aimed at enhancing the academic environment and addressing mental health concerns, Florida’s Governor Ron DeSantis signed House Bill 1105 into law on May 30, 2025, banning the use of cellphones in elementary and middle schools. The ban stipulates that devices cannot be used “from bell to bell,” effectively prohibiting students from accessing their smartphones throughout the school day. Additionally, high schools in six districts across the state will pilot a similar ban, with evaluations on its effectiveness due by December 1, 2026.
A recent survey conducted by researchers from the University of South Florida shed light on the impact of cellphone bans on students aged 11 to 13. The survey involved 1,510 participants and explored their digital media usage, feelings about the restrictions, and overall well-being.
Notably, the survey indicated that 31% of children felt a sense of relief when unable to use their smartphones, suggesting that the ban might provide mental health benefits for some students. Furthermore, 34% of respondents expressed a belief that social media does more harm than good, a sentiment particularly prevalent among those in schools where cellphone use is restricted.
However, the findings also highlighted potential drawbacks of the ban. Among the respondents, 20% reported never turning off app notifications, which correlated with heightened anxiety levels and academic challenges. Students spending six or more hours on their favorite applications were three times more likely to receive mostly D’s and F’s, and six times more likely to exhibit severe symptoms of depression in contrast to their peers who spent an hour or less on such activities.
Despite the reported relief among some students, the data revealed that 17% of those attending schools enforcing a cellphone ban reported experiencing severe depression symptoms. This finding suggests that a blanket approach to banning cellphones may not yield universally positive outcomes for all students. Additionally, students in schools with stricter phone usage policies reported more instances of cyberbullying than those in schools with more lenient rules.
The legislation not only aims to bolster children’s mental health and academic performance and address issues like cyberbullying, but it also includes provisions to facilitate the transition of public schools into charter institutions and extend added benefits for charter schools. Critics of the cellphone ban have raised concerns regarding students’ ability to communicate during emergencies, indicating that safety and accessibility are also crucial considerations in the discussion about device usage in schools.
The implementation of cellphone restrictions in Florida reflects a growing national trend, with an increasing number of states adopting similar measures since the initial ban was set in 2023. The intent behind these legislative moves is to create a healthier learning environment that prioritizes students’ well-being and academic success.
In light of the mixed outcomes observed in the survey, researchers plan to conduct a nationwide study to further explore the relationship between digital media usage and mental health among students. This upcoming study aims to provide ongoing insights into the effectiveness and impacts of cellphone use policies in educational settings over time.
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Additional Resources
- The Conversation: Survey on Florida Kids and Cellphones
- NBC Miami: Bill to Ban Cellphones in Florida Schools
- Tallahassee Democrat: Florida Student Cell Phone Law
- Palm Beach Post: Palm Beach County Supports Cellphone Ban
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Cellphone Bans in Schools
Author: STAFF HERE TAMPA WRITER
The TAMPA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETampa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tampa, Hillsborough County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Gasparilla Pirate Festival, Florida State Fair, and Tampa Riverfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce and United Way Suncoast, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and technology that power the local economy such as BayCare Health System, Grow Financial Federal Credit Union, and KnowBe4. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERESTPetersburg.com, and HERETallahassee.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
