Prince George County board adopts bell‑to‑bell student device policy, principals to set consequences

Prince George County’s school board voted on Nov. 12 to adopt a district policy restricting student personal communication devices during the instructional day, implementing a bell‑to‑bell rule that covers phones, smartwatches and other internet‑connected devices.

Deputy Superintendent Dr. Abby Martin presented the draft policy to the board and said the rule covers wireless headphones and similar devices because they can access cellular or internet services. "Wireless headphones are covered under this policy as a personal technology because they connect wirelessly to the Internet or a cellular signal," she said, noting documented health accommodations in individualized education plans or 504 plans would remain exempt.

The policy includes an explicit provision that students using devices in an actual school emergency to call for assistance will not be penalized. Staff also committed to ensure families receive accurate and timely communications in an emergency and to prioritize official school messaging.

Board members asked how coaches and student‑athlete communications would be handled; staff said principals and athletic directors will coordinate, using school‑issued devices and announcements where appropriate. Staff also said elementary schools already have local protocols and that Clements and the high school are finalizing their approaches.

The board approved the policy after a motion to accept the recommendations; the roll call recorded one abstention (Mister Ealy). Members directed staff to provide principal guidance on appropriate, consistent school‑level consequences and to lead a principal meeting preceding the Jan. 1 roll‑out.

The policy is administrative; it does not change state funding. Staff said they will advise principals on disciplinary steps and public communication leading up to the implementation date.