Howard County schools see mixed reaction to new cell phone policy

CBS News

4 hours ago

Howard County Public Schools began enforcing a stricter cell phone policy on March 3, 2025, limiting personal device use for all students.
The change, known as Policy 8080, is part of the district's effort to reduce distractions during the school day.
Superintendent Bill Barnes said the rollout went better than expected.
"Our students and our staff have done a great job abiding by the new expectations," Barnes said. "It's gone better than I'd hoped."
District data show that violations dropped sharply after the policy took effect. More than 2,500 violations were recorded in March, compared with about 800 in April. The number continued to fall through the end of the school year.
Parents and staff largely support the change.
An April survey collected feedback from parents, staff and students. Parents, teachers and administrators generally expressed satisfaction, while students voiced far less support.
But some students spoke at Board of Education meetings to share their frustrations about the police.
"These students cannot handle their devices to coordinate transportation, contact employers, as most of these students are employed through the intern-mentor program offered by Howard County, or handle any sort of personal responsibilities they may have," said Neil Shandilya, a Howard High School student.
Others worried about how the rule would be enforced.
"At my school, a small number of busy administrators will be responsible for monitoring a student body of over 1,400 individuals," said Rosemary Kamalu of Oakland Mills High School. "Expecting a total of five staff members to regulate and confiscate devices on such a large scale is both unpractical and unsustainable."
An advisory workgroup reviewed the survey data and recommended keeping the policy in place while considering adjustments.
Board Chair Jolene Mosley noted that some families, particularly in special education, have had difficulty obtaining the necessary assistive technology for their children.
"In the conversations I have had with students and with adults, there has been trouble trying to get their kids assistive technology, including even having noise-dampening headphones and things like that for their students," Mosley said.