Maryland considers joining states passing school ‘bell-to-bell’ cellphone bans

The Old Line State is pondering a new policy for its schools – banning cellphones for the entire school day, starting in the 2027-28 academic year.

“Schools are to be centers of learning and social development, where our children learn how to connect and communicate effectively with one another, cultivate lasting friendships, and acquire the necessary skills to excel in today’s global economy,” said Maryland Del. Adrian Boafo in a January statement quoted by CBS Baltimore.

Boafo, who co-sponsored the Maryland Phone Free Schools Act, argues restricting the use of cellphones, laptops and other devices will help students return to the original purpose of education.

“Experience and data have shown that it is simply becoming impossible to offer such personal enrichment when students are glued to their phones all day,” he said.

The bill, cross-filed with Senate Bill 0368, awaits the governor’s signature to become law, according to CBS.

If passed, the legislation would require students to store their devices under a “bell-to-bell” ban including all class transitions as well as recess and lunch, the Inside Towers media outlet explained.

“Some Maryland school systems, including Baltimore City and Baltimore, Montgomery and Harford Counties, have already implemented partial restrictions. State officials note broad public support for tighter phone rules, though they encourage thoughtful, flexible enforcement approaches, according to Maryland Matters.”

‘The best thing for our children’s safety’

At least 36 states and the District of Columbia already ban or restrict cellphone use in schools to some degree, CBS noted. However, not all of them have implemented a strict “bell-to-bell” policy such as the one Maryland is considering.

As previously reported by The Lion, Georgia is also awaiting its governor to pass a bill prohibiting cellphones throughout the school day.

“As a parent, I would want the ability to talk to my child, but I also recognize that I want them to be safe far more than I want the ability to reach them in a moment’s notice,” said Sen. Shawn Still, who sponsored the bill in the state’s Senate.

Still was addressing the argument made by critics concerned over the removal of cellphones from classrooms, removing an option for contact in cases of school shootings and other emergencies.

“Even a parent who is directly impacted by that horrible, horrible event just a couple of years ago admitted that he recognizes that a cellphone ban is the best thing for our children’s safety,” Still concluded. “It is the best thing for their mental well-being; it is the best thing for their mental health.”