High schools across the country are banning phone use in classes.

by Madelyn Awwad ‘27

Recently, school districts across Maryland have started implementing stricter phone policies, and MCPS is currently running a pilot program at 11 schools to test new restrictions. If successful, MCPS could expand these restrictions to other high schools, including Sherwood, as soon as next school year.

The pilot program requires students to keep their phones out of sight during class, with some schools enforcing even stricter rules such as locking devices in pouches or storing them in the main office if students repeatedly violate the policy. According to an article in Bethesda Magazine, early reports from pilot schools, such as Rockville and Thomas Pyle Middle School, show mixed results. Many teachers stated they have seen improved focus, better class discussions, and fewer behavioral issues. However, some students at the schools have expressed concerns about feeling disconnected, anxious, or isolated without their phones.

This month, MCPS is reviewing the feedback and other data and making any necessary adjustments before releasing the proposed policy for further feedback. In May, MCPS is scheduled to approve the final version, and schools will begin preparing for its implementation in the 2025-26 school year. At Sherwood, some teachers already have different ways of handling phones in their classrooms. Social Studies teacher Shawn Hillman, for example, has a structured system where students must place their phones in designated slots when they enter class. “If they don’t put it away, I take it at the bell, and the consequences involve getting the parents involved and assigning detentions,” said Hillman.

Spanish teacher Michelle Bloom requires students to sign a contract about phone use at the beginning of the semester. “If I see students on their phones repeatedly, I talk to them once. Then, I email their parents and assign detention,” explained Bloom.

Despite these efforts, phone use is still a major problem at Sherwood. Computer science teacher Jason Daigle has noticed an increase in distractions over the years. “Some students have learned how to manage their phones, but in general, I see a lot of students on their phones throughout the day. It’s definitely getting worse,” said Daigle.

Howard County Public Schools recently announced a new phone policy for the second semester of this school year. Students are only allowed to use their phones before and after school, during lunch, and between classes. Beyond Maryland, other states are also enforcing stricter phone policies. Virginia’s governor signed into law a “bell-to-bell” policy that went into effect this past January, and which requires students to keep their phones turned off and out of sight from the start of the school day until dismissal. As MCPS reviews the results of its pilot program, it will need to consider whether an approach like Virginia’s is too strict or if it is necessary to keep students engaged.