12-24-2024 4:53am

PHONE RESTRICTIONS

Jeff Barto Editor

Cell Phone Restrictions Successful So Far in Baltimore County Public Schools

Cell phone restrictions are working well in Baltimore County schools piloting the program. "Students are more engaged," a principal said.

BALTIMORE COUNTY, MD — Cell phone restrictions are showing early success in some Baltimore County Public Schools, officials said at a Board of Education meeting.

Seventeen schools are participating in a pilot program this year where students stow away their cell phones at the start of class. WYPR said some schools put devices in clear pouches, velcro cases attached to their desks or in a bin at the front of the classroom. All methods leave the phones accessible in case of emergency, so there isn't a complete cell phone ban.

In a survey of 455 BCPS teachers, 69% reported they agreed or strongly agreed that the program is having its intended effect of reducing distractions during instruction.

Students are split on the policy, however. Half the teachers said their students reacted positively to the program, while the other half reported a negative student reaction.

“While I can't quantify it, I can share with you that my school building is happier,” Sparrows Point High School Principal Emily Caster said, according to WYPR. “Students are more engaged in classrooms, in the hallways, with one another and with the staff.”

Some students praised the cell phone regulations. Student comments listed in the slideshow presented to the school board included:

“It allows you to focus more, you start doing your work and stay on track during class. You can’t be distracted by the notifications.”
“It is helping students to communicate with one another, I’ve never seen kids talking to each other this much. I’ve heard a lot of people say their grades are better, they’re connecting with each other. It boosts communication among students who normally wouldn’t talk to one another.”
“Students are more creative, we don’t have as easy access to content, we have to use our minds instead of just looking up the answer.

“I've never seen kids talking to each other this much,” Caster said, according to WYPR. “I've heard a lot of people say their grades are better. We are also seeing a decrease in peer conflicts related to cell phone or social media use at school.”

These schools are participating in the pilot program, which was announced this August just before this school year: