Montgomery County Brings Back 1990s Cell Phone Ban for Students - Here's What Parents Must Know
- Starting this fall, all middle and high school students in Montgomery County public schools will be required to keep their phones locked in secure pouches or designated lockers during the entire school day, a policy last enforced in the early 2000s.
- The strict measure aims to combat a 300% rise in cyberbullying incidents and classroom distractions linked to social media apps like TikTok and Instagram since 2021.
- Parents can only reach their kids during emergencies by calling the school’s main office, which will relay urgent messages via intercom or a designated staff runner.
- Exceptions are granted for students with specific medical needs, such as those using phones to monitor diabetes or other health conditions, but teachers must approve these in advance.
- Critics argue the ban unfairly targets students from lower-income families who rely on phones for after-school jobs or childcare, while supporters say test scores could jump by up to 15% based on pilot programs in neighboring districts.