A number of statewide bills proposed student cell phone policy mandates on local school systems. While none of those bills were approved, Maryland’s Task Force on Cell Phone Use in Schools published a recent report with guidance for local school systems to develop their own policies on student cell phone use during school hours.
The Maryland Task Force on Cell Phone Use in Schools published a report emphasizing flexibility and encouraging districts to tailor policies to their specific needs while suggesting general parameters. The group developing the recommendations was made up of state and local education leaders as well as teachers, students, and family members. Stakeholder engagement and clear rationale for the policies were highlighted as key indicators of local buy-in and success.
The policy guidance included:
- grade level differentiation
- legal exemptions for special populations
- discipline standards for violations
- emergency response preparedness
Addressing the consequences of cell phone use by students during instructional time was a priority for a handful of lawmakers during the 2025 legislative session. Proposals came from both democrats and republicans in the House and Senate. Maryland Matters did a rundown of those bills that all, except for one, never left the originating committee. The one that did leave the originating committee passed both chambers in different forms and eventually died on the last day of session. The recommendations, without a state mandate, allow for thoughtful progress that is tailored to local needs, and was the intent of the task force work.
