LA PLATA, Md. — The Education Association of Charles County (EACC) is backing proposed state legislation that would restrict student cellphone use in schools, citing concerns over classroom disruptions, cheating, and school safety.
At the Feb. 11 Board of Education meeting, EACC President Sean Heyl voiced support for Senate Bill 368 and House Bill 192, which would limit cellphone use during instructional hours.
“Fights, distractions, and even violent incidents are being fueled by social media and unrestricted phone use during the school day,” Heyl said. “We need a clear, enforceable policy to ensure consistency across all schools.”
Heyl referenced another EACC board member who sustained a broken knee while breaking up a fight. She later saw 17 different videos of the incident but expressed frustration that, despite multiple students recording, no one used their phone to call 911 while staff and students were injured.
“If cellphones are supposed to be a safety tool, why didn’t anyone dial 911?” Heyl asked, adding that social media posts continue to escalate conflicts long after they happen.
The EACC is calling for Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) to proactively draft a policy that aligns with potential state mandates. Heyl emphasized that any policy should be uniformly enforced across all schools, with clear guidelines for confiscation and staff training. He also urged the inclusion of student representatives in policy discussions.
EACC board members also raised concerns about cellphones enabling academic dishonesty and noted that excessive phone use hinders student engagement.
The EACC is willing to collaborate with CCPS to develop a coherent policy addressing cellphone use in all schools.
See the full statement from EACC on CCPS Board Docs here.
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I get the need for cellphone restrictions, but a countywide policy feels like a lot. Kids also use phones for safety, so hopefully, there’s some flexibility—kind of like adjusting to new school policies (CTA filings included). What do you all think—fair or too strict?
I think this day and age in the world our kids need their phones in the event of an emergency. Do I believe they should be out during Learning time..absolutely not, however they should be silenced and put away just in case they have to call for help. After all the schools do intruder drills and everything else. Nobody has time for their phones to turn on and take a chance of being heard in the “hiding” spot they are in. This is unfortunately the society we live in!