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Board to convene work group after survey finds most Maryland districts updating cell‑phone policies
Summary
MSDE briefed the board on national and state responses to student cell-phone use in schools; 19 of 24 Maryland LEAs have updated policies, several are piloting Yondr pouches, and MSDE will form a work group to help districts weigh options and implementation supports.
The State Board received a briefing on the evolution of school cell‑phone policies as staff prepared a work group to advise districts and the board.
Hannah Oakley, MSDE’s recently appointed deputy director for the state board, summarized national and international research and policy responses. She said 14–17 U.S. states have taken some action (ranging from guidance and grant incentives to district mandates), while England’s nationwide restrictions and UNESCO guidance have drawn attention to links between device use and in-class outcomes.
Oakley told members that 19 of Maryland’s 24 local education agencies have studied or updated cell‑phone policies since 2021, and several districts are experimenting with secured pouches (commercial products such as Yondr) or low‑tech “phone hotels” to limit in‑class phone access. MSDE’s survey of superintendents found mixed views on statewide mandates; in a partial survey response 11 of 18 responding superintendents supported statewide action while seven did not.
Oakley said districts that have moved to stricter policies often pair them with behavioral‑health supports, digital-literacy education and family engagement. She also noted that exceptions (medical devices, IEP accommodations, emergency use) are commonly included in district policies.
Superintendent Wright said she will convene a multi‑stakeholder work group — including board representation and district partners — to study best practices and implementation supports and to bring recommendations back to the board.
The briefing did not propose a statewide ban; instead, staff emphasized MSDE will coordinate guidance, technical assistance, and model policy language to support LEAs that request state-level support.
