Howard County Schools Ban Cellphones During School Day

ELLICOTT CITY, Md. — The Howard County Board of Education on Thursday approved a new cellphone policy that prohibits students from using their devices during the school day, effective March 3. The policy aims to reduce distractions and improve focus on instruction.

Under the new rules, students in elementary, middle, and high schools must keep their cellphones “away and silenced” from the first bell to the last. Devices must remain out of sight and on silent mode throughout the day. Students can still bring phones to school, but they cannot be used or visible during instructional time.

The decision followed months of community feedback, including a survey of 9,300 students, parents, and staff, as well as focus groups and public hearings. District spokesman Brian Bassett said the policy is designed to “remove distractions from instruction” while allowing flexibility for emergencies.

“This is a real distraction for the kids. I think that’s a good idea, that’s my opinion,” said Arnel Nerett, a parent of a Howard County student. Other parents echoed similar sentiments, with Bryan Pax adding, “I’m completely OK with it. I think they’re there to learn.”

Smartwatches will still be permitted for checking the time but cannot be used for other purposes. Violations of the policy will result in confiscation of the device until the end of the school day. Repeated violations will require parents to retrieve the device in person.

The board voted 7-1 to approve the policy, with Chair Jolene Mosley opposing the changes. Mosley argued that high school students should retain access to their phones during lunch and between classes, citing safety concerns. “We’re in very uncertain times right now,” she said.

The policy aligns with similar measures in neighboring districts. Baltimore County Public Schools restricts phone use during class time, while Harford County prohibits use entirely during the school day. Anne Arundel County has varying policies based on grade levels.

Howard County schools will monitor the policy’s effectiveness during the initial rollout and consider adjustments before the 2025-2026 academic year.