Allegany County adopts stricter cell phone limits in schools; students report mixed reactions

Allegany County officials described a new countywide cell phone policy and heard a student-member report on student reaction at the Sept. 9 Board of Education meeting.

Board members and administrators said a policy committee, which included principals, retired staff, board members and legal counsel, created the guideline to reduce distractions and curb inappropriate recording in schools. The committee reviewed state guidance and practices from other counties when drafting the policy.

Under the guidelines presented at the meeting, elementary students may not have phones during the school day; phones brought on buses must be turned off and put away. Middle school students may have phones only before school and after the final bell. High school students may carry phones on their person but may use them only before class, at lunch and at the end of the school day.

The board asked for student feedback; the student member of the board reported widespread, mixed reaction. According to the student report, many freshmen and sophomores said they felt more focused and completed work earlier without phones. Juniors and seniors generally objected, citing music, family contact needs and loss of perceived privileges. The student member also relayed concerns that stricter rules prompt more attempts to conceal phone use, including more bathroom exits; some students suggested rules should apply equally to teachers.

District leaders said offices can facilitate urgent family contact and encouraged students and parents to give feedback as the policy is implemented.