Maryland proposes new law to ban cell phones in schools

In Baltimore, a proposed bill known as House Bill 192 aims to prohibit cell phone use in Maryland schools during school hours with specific exceptions. The legislation seeks to specifically target elementary and middle school students, preventing them from having cell phones during instructional time, lunch periods, and passing periods. This initiative garnered support from teachers who express concerns about the distractions caused by cell phones in classrooms. Additionally, disciplinary actions will be established by counties for student infractions, including confiscation of devices, which would be returned only to parents or at the end of the school day. Simultaneously, Howard County Public Schools announced a policy change effective March 3, which forbids students from using cell phones throughout the school day. Under the current rules, high school students can use devices during lunch and transitions if their teachers allow it. The new regulations, however, require students to silence their phones and keep them out of sight, aiming to minimize distractions during school hours. The Howard County school board had previously surveyed parents, students, and staff, confirming widespread agreement that cell phones could be distracting in classrooms while also expressing a need for accessibility in emergencies. Moreover, there has been growing support for stricter consequences for cell phone use in schools, as highlighted in the proposed legislation that also mirrors earlier discussions surrounding educational policies. Critics of the new policy raise concerns about the potential risks it poses, particularly in light of the ongoing uncertainties in today's society. For instance, Board Chair Jolene Mosely stressed that limiting students' ability to check their phones during lunch or between classes may create safety issues. Special provisions will remain in place for students with documented needs via their Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 plans. Smartwatches, however, are permitted as long as they do not distract students. This legislative push and school policy reflect a significant trend aimed at reevaluating cell phone usage within the educational environment in Maryland.