School Board reviews impact of new device policy on student engagement and behavior

The Board of Education of Howard County convened on June 26, 2025, to review the implementation of recent policy changes aimed at enhancing student well-being. The meeting highlighted feedback from the community regarding the adjustments made to policy 8080, which governs the use of personal devices in schools.

The policy changes, implemented on March 3, 2025, were described as the most significant move for student well-being in the speaker's educational career. The updated policy restricts personal devices from being seen or heard during school hours, while allowing smartwatches and personal laptops for instructional purposes with teacher permission. The policy also permits the use of personal devices for assistive technology as part of individual education plans.

Feedback gathered through surveys indicated a mixed response to the policy. While parents and teachers generally supported the changes, students expressed dissatisfaction, citing issues such as continued distractions from devices and inconsistent enforcement of the rules. Notably, the student response rate to the surveys more than doubled from the fall to the spring, indicating increased engagement in the feedback process.

The survey results revealed several successes attributed to the policy, including improved student focus, enhanced social interactions, and clearer expectations regarding device use. However, challenges were also noted, such as students finding ways to access non-educational content and concerns that the policy might hinder communication with families.

During the implementation period, approximately 4,000 devices were confiscated, with most violations occurring among high school freshmen. The Board discussed potential adjustments to the policy based on the feedback received, emphasizing the need for continued evaluation and data collection to inform future decisions.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to further analyze the data and consider recommendations for adjustments to the policy before the start of the 2025-2026 school year. The Board aims to ensure that the policy effectively supports student well-being while addressing the concerns raised by the community.