Broward Schools To Institute New Wireless Device Policy Monday

Calling it Disconnect to Reconnect, starting on the first day of school Monday, all Broward County public school students will not be allowed to use their cell phones and smart watches from the first to last bell of the day, including lunch.

"They may have them in their possession. We're asking them to either turn them off or put them in airplane mode," says Superintendent Dr. Howard Hepburn.

He says the only exception is if a teacher tells kids to use their wireless device for instructional purposes.

Coral Glades High school student, 17-year-old Anthony Stewart argues the policy causes a safety issue.

"That 15 seconds to turn your phone off of airplane mode could have been to text your parents," he says.

His change.org petition has collected more than 15,000 signatures since Monday.

Dr. Hepburn refutes the claim about disconnection to parents.

He says, "Since the cell phone is on their person in emergency situations kids would be able to get in touch with their parents to let them know what's going on." Plus, he adds, the district notifies parents of emergencies.

Stewart hopes, "that they reconsider their ban and give us more leeway especially in high school where students should be able to have their phone during lunch, when they're not being taught."