ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY, Md. — Anne Arundel County officials have announced a new cellphone policy scheduled to go into effect at the beginning of the 2024-2025 school year.
In a press release issued by Superintendent Dr. Mark Bedell, he says the decision comes as part of a move to maximize focus on instruction and improve student mental health. The guidelines are different based on school grades.
- Elementary and middle school students must have their phones off or on silent mode and out of sight throughout the school day, including at lunch and in hallways during transitions between classes
- High school students may use their phones during lunch but must have them off or on silent mode and out of sight at all other times, including in hallways during transitions between classes
“I want to be clear that this is not a ban on cell phones like other districts across the country have done,” Dr. Bedell said. “These are changes in guidelines as part of an effort to refocus precious time on instruction, which is something everyone we spoke with agreed is critically important. I have complete faith that our students, provided with the right structure, will do the right thing. However, as the Superintendent, I will not hesitate to have further conversations with the school board and the community about a total ban should that become necessary.”
Students who are found breaking the new guidelines will be met with disciplinary actions, starting with a warning and going as far as confiscating of the student's phone. Phones confiscated will have to be picked up by a parent or guardian.