Comment on Broward Schools’ cellphone ban draws both praise and criticism. Here’s how it’s going.

A student cellphones ban is creating a new kind of digital divide in Broward schools. Some parents and educators see a new policy that prohibits students from using cellphones in most cases from morning bell to dismissal to be a godsend. Students are more engaged, social and attentive, they say. Others see it as a poorly executed and inconsistently enforced rule that hinders students’ ability to communicate with parents, conduct research at lunch and even access their own textbooks and lesson plans. Parents and students have shared stories of administrators at some schools ignoring the policy, while ones at other schools entering restrooms to confiscate phones. The policy, which took effect the first day of school on Aug.