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Cell Phone Policy

Updates to Student Cell Phone Use Policy 

Students will be required to store their cell phones and personal devices in an assigned school locker or cubby starting in the upcoming school year. The Board of Education approved changes to Policy JICJ – Personally-Owned Electronic Communication Devices and Social Media Platforms During the School Day. The updates were made to comply with a measure approved by state lawmakers this year, the Maryland Phone-Free Schools Act. 

Students will not be allowed to use their cell phone during the school day, which also includes during lunch, recess, passing periods, and class changing periods. The devices must be stored away in the student’s assigned locker or cubby area. Exceptions may apply in certain circumstances, such as for students who need to use phones for health or disability accommodations. Additionally, under the revised policy, students cannot use a social media platform during the school day, even those associated with school-sponsored activities like clubs and athletics. 

During the business meeting, Board members reviewed research that demonstrated the negative impact that increased screen time and social media overuse has on adolescents. 

 

Reducing Screen Time in Classrooms

Recognizing the growing body of research behind the concerning impacts of screen time, Washington County Public Schools (WCPS) is taking additional steps to reduce screen time during the school day, particularly for our youngest learners. 

The Board of Education approved the purchase of new Chromebook storage and charging carts. The change to a cart-based system supports WCPS’ move to sharing Chromebooks among elementary and middle school students, rather than having a device for each child. Elementary schools will have Chromebook carts provided for grades 1–5, but not pre-k or kindergarten students. Each WCPS high school student will continue to have their own Chromebook to better prepare them for college and career pathways.

The $1.1 million price tag for the Chromebook storage and charging carts was funded with money that was previously intended to purchase new student Chromebooks.