Maryland has taken a significant step to enhance the learning environment in its schools with the passage of the Joanne C. Benson Maryland Phone-Free Schools Act (H.B. 525). This new law, which restricts student cell-phone use during school hours, has earned a ‘B’ grade from the Phone-Free Schools State Report Card. The legislation, sponsored by Del. Adrian Boafo and State Sen. Kevin Harris, requires county school boards to implement policies that prohibit the use of phones and other electronic devices from the start to the end of the school day, beginning in the 2027-2028 academic year.
Support and Concerns
The law has garnered support from leading child safety and well-being organizations, such as The Anxious Generation Movement and the Becca Schmill Foundation. These organizations commend Maryland for prioritizing equitable implementation by ensuring that students are not suspended or expelled for policy infractions, which are considered exclusionary and inequitable.
Emily Rapp, policy director for the Institute of Families and Technology, praised the leadership of the bill’s sponsors, stating, “We applaud Del. Boafo, Del. Wolek, Del. Wu, and Sen. Harris for their leadership freeing Maryland students from the distractions of personal electronic devices during the entire school day.”
Challenges in Implementation
Despite the positive reception, some educators express concerns about the practical challenges of enforcing the law. Melanie Coates, an English teacher at Western School of Technology and Environmental Science in Baltimore County, worries about the additional burden on teachers. She notes that if teachers have to manage warnings, parent contacts, and documentation, the law may not be effective. Coates suggests that more robust measures, such as using phone pouches, could be more effective but acknowledges the cost barrier.
Currently, Baltimore County Public Schools allow students to have phones on their person but not in use, with teachers having discretion for instructional purposes. Coates remains skeptical about the new law’s impact, stating, “Law or no law, if we have to warn, contact parents, keep documentation, create some sort of intervention, argue with the student (and the parent-who can be a bigger issue since they text and call while students are in class), then it’s just on teachers again and a law makes no difference.”
Looking Ahead
Maryland’s initiative sets an example for other states with lower grades to follow. The hope is that by establishing a consistent standard, students and teachers statewide will benefit from improved academic performance, mental and physical health, and community relationships. However, the success of the law will largely depend on its implementation and the support provided to educators.
Original reporting: Baltimore Fishbowl — read the source article.
