Baltimore City Schools Enforce New Cell Phone Ban for Students
Baltimore City Public Schools are the latest district in Maryland to adopt stricter rules around student cell phone use, following similar moves by Anne Arundel and Howard County schools.
Beginning the first day of the upcoming school year, students in Baltimore City will be required to keep their devices “powered off, away, and secured” throughout the school day, according to a statement from the school system last week.
The new policy follows a pilot program conducted at 25 city schools during the past year. Officials say the decision is backed by strong research and local data highlighting the benefits of reduced phone use in educational settings.
“Studies have shown that limiting or eliminating cell phone use in classrooms leads to better learning outcomes and fewer disruptions,” the district said.
City Schools reported several improvements during the pilot program, including:
- Fewer distractions and disruptions during class
- Increased student engagement and focus
- More productive instructional time
- A more positive overall school climate
- Greater opportunities for students to develop social skills
- Reduced disciplinary issues and peer conflicts
- Less time spent on social media during school hours
For now, the Maryland State Department of Education continues to leave phone policy decisions up to each local school district.
To read more about Baltimore City’s new phone policy, click here.
