ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY, MD (August 12, 2024) – As part of a measure to maximize focus on instruction, eliminate distractions and improve mental health, Anne Arundel County Public Schools students may use their cell phones less during the school day next year, said School Superintendent Dr. Mark Bedell.

Students, staff and community partners across the school system contributed to the changes, which aim to create and enhance learning spaces for all students. The guidelines differentiate permitted uses by student level as follows:

• Elementary and middle school students must keep their phones turned off or on silent and out of sight throughout the school day, including during lunch periods and in the hallways when moving between classes.
• High school students are allowed to use their phones during lunch, but must turn them off or put them on silent and keep them out of sight at all other times, including in the hallways when moving between classes.

“I want to be clear that this is not a cell phone ban, as other districts across the country have done,” said Dr. Bedell. “These are policy changes as part of an effort to refocus valuable time on instruction, which everyone we’ve spoken to agrees is critically important. I have every confidence that our students, given the right structures, will do the right thing. However, as superintendent, I will not hesitate to have further conversations with the school board and the community about a full ban should the need arise.”

Students who do not use their cell phones according to policy will be subject to progressive disciplinary action. They will first be given a warning, which will lead to confiscation of the cell phone if necessary and possible further disciplinary action. Confiscated cell phones must be picked up by a parent or guardian.

The new guidelines will be made clear to students by teachers at the beginning of the school year.

This press release was prepared by Anne Arundel County Public Schools. The views expressed here are those of the author.