Maryland Advances Bill to Restrict Student Cellphone Use in Schools

Legislation would ban phones during school hours with some exceptions, sparking mixed reactions from parents and students.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 3:45pm

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The Maryland General Assembly is nearing final passage of the 'Maryland Phone-Free Schools Act,' which would restrict student use of cellphones, laptops, and smartwatches during the school day. The bill calls for a 'bell-to-bell ban' with limited exceptions, leaving local districts to decide policies for storage and disciplinary measures. Reaction from parents and students has been mixed, with some seeing the need to limit distractions but others concerned about communication and payment needs.

Why it matters

The legislation aims to reduce classroom distractions and keep students focused on academics, but it has raised concerns about access to communication, technology, and financial transactions for students. The bill's passage would require school districts across Maryland to develop new policies around personal device usage.

The details

The 'Maryland Phone-Free Schools Act' (House Bill 525 and Senate Bill 928) would prohibit student use of cellphones, laptops, and smartwatches during the school day, with exceptions for individualized education programs and health needs. The 'bell-to-bell ban' would restrict use even during lunch and recess, leaving local districts to decide storage policies and disciplinary measures. The bill requires districts to implement the new policies by September 2027.

  • The House Ways and Means Committee is scheduled to hear the Senate version of the bill on March 29, 2026.
  • A hearing date has yet to be scheduled in the Senate for the House version.
  • If passed and signed by the governor, the bill would take effect on July 1, 2027.

The players

Mark Bedell

Superintendent of Anne Arundel County Public Schools, who took steps last year to remove cellphone distractions from classrooms.

Mike O'Brien

Assistant Superintendent of Education Services for Harford County Public Schools, who stated they have seen positive impacts from their current cellphone policy and would make necessary changes to comply with the new law.

Maryland General Assembly

The state legislature that is nearing final passage of the 'Maryland Phone-Free Schools Act.'

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What they’re saying

“A blanket ban, I don't think it is a good idea, but I think having limited access to cellphones during the day is what I would be in favor of.”

— Mimzy Tackney-Moen, Parent

“I think, coming from the parents' perspective, it is good to have an overarching rule, spend more time with the students to be more focused on their academics.”

— Vick, Parent

“No, not necessarily. Like, I mean, it's really just a distraction.”

— Jude Moen Metcalfe, Maryland high school student

What’s next

If passed and signed by the governor, the 'Maryland Phone-Free Schools Act' would take effect on July 1, 2027, requiring all public school districts in the state to develop and implement new policies restricting student use of personal electronic devices during the school day.

The takeaway

The proposed 'Maryland Phone-Free Schools Act' highlights the ongoing debate over balancing the educational benefits and risks of student access to personal technology in the classroom. While proponents argue it will reduce distractions and improve focus, critics are concerned about communication, financial, and accessibility needs. The final legislation will shape how schools across the state approach this issue in the coming years.