SOUTHERN MARYLAND — School systems across Southern Maryland will review new state recommendations on managing student cell phone use, as the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) and State Board of Education have released a comprehensive guide for local policy development.
The Task Force on Cell Phone Use in Schools report, published in April 2025, offers school districts flexible models to address concerns about classroom distraction, digital overuse and emergency communication — all while ensuring equity and family engagement. Although no statewide mandate was passed during the 2025 Maryland General Assembly session, the report emphasizes best practices that districts in Charles, Calvert and St. Mary’s counties can tailor to meet local needs.
Key Guidance Highlights:
- Grade-level flexibility: Elementary students may have the most restrictive policies, while high schools may offer structured use during lunch or class transitions.
- Legal accommodations: Students with IEPs, Section 504 plans or medical needs (e.g., diabetes monitoring) must be granted access under documented plans.
- Discipline framework: A tiered model recommends warnings, parent contact, device confiscation and behavior contracts before more serious consequences.
- Emergency protocols: Policies must address communication during emergencies, including how families will be contacted if students don’t have immediate phone access.
“Schools must balance the benefits of digital learning with the challenges posed by constant smartphone use,” the report notes, citing national data that 72% of high school teachers view cell phones as a major classroom disruption.
The task force included representatives from St. Mary’s County, including student Vanessa Li and parent Tracy Nguyen, ensuring local voices helped shape statewide recommendations. Calvert and Charles counties were also represented by school administrators.
Summer 2025: Review and Communication Window
Local districts are expected to use summer 2025 to review the new guidance, gather community input and finalize student handbooks and communication plan updates. The task force recommends communicating any new rules before the academic year begins through back-to-school nights, orientations and family outreach events. Materials should be provided in multiple languages and include acknowledgment forms for parents and students.
Districts are also advised to ensure alignment with emergency communication procedures and new telehealth access policies required under state law.
Parents and educators can read the full state report here: Task Force on Cell Phone Use in Schools – April 2025 (PDF)
Quick Reference: Where to Find It in the State Report
- Telehealth access required by 2025–26: Students with medical or mental health needs may need phones for appointments or condition monitoring (Page 20).
- Broad device definition: Restrictions apply to smartphones, smartwatches, earbuds, tablets and other personal tech, excluding school-issued tools (Page 6).
- Tiered discipline approach: Suggested responses range from classroom redirection to parent conferences and device confiscation (Pages 21–22).
- Summer 2025 planning window: Schools are advised to finalize policies, gather feedback and communicate clearly with families ahead of the new school year (Pages 9–12).
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