Cell Phone Ban In Howard County Schools Starts This School Year

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — A cell phone ban will be implemented at all Howard County schools starting yet this school year.

The Howard County Board of Education voted Thursday at its regular meeting to prohibit the use of cell phones during the school day for students at all grade levels starting March 3, which comes as an amendment to the school's personal technology policy created in 2020. Students are allowed to use cell phones in the event of an emergency or if such use is included in a student’s Section 504 plan, individualized education plan or health plan.

A workgroup was assembled to study the issue and one gray area was to allow smart watches. Brian Bassett, director of communication and engagement for the Howard County Public School System, said during the school board meeting that the work group determined it would be difficult to enforce a ban on smart watches and what exactly to define as a smart watch.

"What's a smart watch or an activity tracker? School staff didn't feel confident enough to determine the difference," Bassett said during the meeting. "At this point in time, smart watches haven't been a concern ... but if all personal devices aren't to be used, then perhaps smart watches will be and could become a concern, so we would address that at that time."

HCPSS Superintendent Bill Barnes said that in conversations with teachers, they emphasized they're "eager to get moving" with support and clear guidance from the school board and leaders. Therefore, students can wear smartwatches, as long as they are used only to check the time and do not cause a distraction.

“If cellphones weren’t a problem in the classroom, we wouldn’t even be having this discussion,” said Jen Mallo, District 4 board member, during the meeting. “So we know that they are and we know that we have an obligation to make our schools and our classrooms the safest that we can, as well as move the system towards the healthiest it can be for our students.”

While a few other issues of concern were brought up during the Thursday board meeting, the ban on cell phones passed with a 7-1 vote. Board Chair Jolene Mosley was the only opposing vote. She expressed concern about not allowing cell phones during non-instructional time as a safety risk.

“We’re in very uncertain times right now, and it is not always [possible] for parents to be able to call the front desk, then to have the front desk come get their child, then to tell their child what the plan is for that emergency that’s happening right now,” Mosley said. “And I think in this time of uncertainties, taking that away where a student in high school cannot check their phone during lunch and in between classes can be dangerous.”

Here are the highlights of the adjustments that were adopted by the board:

• No students, prekindergarten-12th, will be permitted to use cell phones and other personal devices during the student day (first bell to last bell of the day) except for reasons detailed in a student’s IEP, 504, or health plan.
• Smart watches will be permitted to be worn to check time but may not be a distraction.
• When a personal device is used in violation of the new policy, the device will be confiscated for the remainder of the student day.
• Students may be in possession of personal devices, but they must be “away and silenced,” meaning devices are not able to be seen by either the student or staff member and are set to make no noise.
• Personal laptops may be used for instructional activities in high school when permitted by the teacher.
• A staff member on a school-sponsored field trip may permit the use of a personal technology device by a student in limited situations where capturing a picture or video may be appropriate or contacting a parent/guardian is necessary.
• School administrators and school administrators’ designees may authorize use of a personal device in rare instances such as an emergency for communication purposes.

Also during the school board meeting, Barnes unveiled the Howard County Public School System's new strategic plan designed to guide the district through 2029. It was created with input provided by students, staff, families and community members, Barnes said at the meeting.

“It is so important for our organization to develop, adopt and commit to a strategic plan that will serve as a clear roadmap so we may achieve our short- and long-term goals through a shared vision,” Barnes said . “This is not my plan—this is our plan. It belongs to the board, students, staff, parents and guardians, and community partners to accomplish everything this plan sets out to achieve.”

The plan outlines five key priorities to achieve the mission. The first two priorities relate most specifically to the student experience, Barnes said.

• The first priority focuses on providing high-quality instruction for all students, making sure they have the knowledge and skills they need to be successful in school and beyond.
• The second priority ensures all students have a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment where their social and emotional needs are met.
• Priority number three uplifts the need for recruiting and supporting staff so they can thrive.
• The fourth priority makes sure the system is running effectively, and that funding and resources are being allocated to best support student needs.
• The final priority strengthens partnerships with families and the community.