ANNAPOLIS, Md. – The Anne Arundel County Public School system released a video on August 21st announcing their new cell phone policy for students in each grade level.
The reasons stated for the changes to the AACPS’ cell phone guidelines include the distraction of phone use in classrooms, as well as students filming bad behavior, such as fights.
Under these new guidelines, students in AACPS elementary and middle schools can only bring their cell phones to school if they are turned off or silenced for the entirety of the school day. High school students will be allowed to use their phones during lunch, but they must still be turned off or silenced at all other times.
The Superintendent of Schools, Mark Bedell, stated, “We want to talk today about changes in our cell phone guidelines that are designed to maximize the focus on instruction and support the mental health of our students.” He continues, “Using cellphones in class doesn’t just take the focus off instruction for the student using the phone. It’s distracting for others as well.”
In deciding the best policy changes for cell phone use, the AACPS took input from all possible sources. “We wanted to make sure we heard from all parts of our school system, so the changes we are putting in place have come after involving students, staff, parents, and community partners,” says Monique Jackson, the Chief Officer of Student and Systemic Supports.
The AACPS wants students and parents to understand that this isn’t a total ban on cell phones. However, Mark Bedell said, “If this does not work, I will not hesitate to have further conversation with the school board and this community regarding a total ban.”
The new cell phone guidelines are effective immediately across all Anne Arundel County public schools.
About Anne Arundel County Public Schools:
The AACPS is the organization that manages all of the public schools in Anne Arundel County. The staff and administrators of the AACPS are dedicated to helping students grow in the classroom and outside of it.
