Maryland lawmakers yet to take action on statewide school cell phone policy

(WBFF) — As school systems across Maryland take action to limit cell phones in classrooms, lawmakers continue to make a push this legislative session for statewide policies. However, its unclear if their efforts will gain traction.

Currently in Maryland, there is no statewide ban on cell phone use. Several bills have been proposed, which would limit or restrict cell phones during the school day in some capacity. Others direct local school systems to come up with a policy.

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"Cell phone usage in our schools has become a concern across Maryland," Delegate Nino Mangione (R-Baltimore County) said.

"Teachers are reporting that students are constantly on their cell phones," he added.

Now past the mid-point of the session, none of the bills proposed have made it out of committee, so it's not yet clear if they will gain any traction.

"Just having a policy may not cure the problem," Delegate Eric Ebersole (D-Baltimore County) said.

Locally, Baltimore County, Baltimore City, Anne Arundel, Carroll County and Howard Counties all have implemented some sort of policy restricting cell phones. While some school systems, like Baltimore City, have been implementing a pilot program, research shows the programs can be effective.

ALSO READ | Howard County schools ban cell phones to curb distractions

Data from Baltimore City Schools shows that of school leaders surveyed, 80% of school leaders responded that student behavior had improved, 72% of school leaders responded that office referrals had dropped, 72% of school leaders reported a drop in bullying incidents, 72% of school leaders reported that student engagement during class time was up and 60% of school leaders reported that academic outcomes were showing improvement.

While school leaders across the board acknowledge cell phones can be distractions, and hinder student learning and mental health, cell phone policies bring mixed reactions. While some parents support them, others have expressed concerns about being unable to communicate with their child throughout the day, especially in the case of an emergency. Others have express concerns about how the policies will be implemented

While it is unclear if state leaders will take action on the issue this session, other states have. Florida was the first state to crack down on phones in school, passing legislation requiring public schools to ban cell phones during class time. Other states like California, Indiana, Louisiana, Minnesota, Ohio, South Carolina and Virginia have all enacted some version of statewide cell phone policies. Many other states are also considering proposals, as limiting student cell phone use during the school day gains traction across the country.