Howard County Students Protest Cell Phone Ban In Schools: Report

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — Howard County students participated in a peaceful protest on Wednesday over the school system's recently enacted policy that bans cell phones in class, according to a WJZ report.

Atholton High School Principal Nick Novak told WJZ the walkout was set for 9:25 a.m. at the stadium during "Raidertime." According to the letter sent by Novak, the students returned to class in time for third period.

Students from Howard High School also participated, WJZ reported.

The Howard County Board of Education voted in January to prohibit the use of cell phones during the school day for students at all grade levels starting March 3. The policy was 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.

“If cellphones weren’t a problem in the classroom, we wouldn’t even be having this discussion,” District 4 board member Jen Mallo said 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 voiced, 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."

Similar legislation has been proposed at a state level. If passed, House Bill 192 would prohibit students from using a cell phone during school hours except for specific circumstances.