Cell Phone Policy

Focus Now, Phones Later

New expectations for student cell phones and personal electronic communication devices.

Beginning in the 2026-2027 school year, Washington County Public Schools students will not be able to access or use their cell phones and other personally-owned electronic communication devices during the academic school day.

Students must keep these devices stored in their assigned locker for the entire academic school day. At the elementary level, devices may be stored in an assigned locker or cubby.

The goal is to support learning and help students stay focused and engaged throughout the school day.

What does this mean for students?

From the first bell of the school day through dismissal, students may not access or use personally owned electronic communication devices.

This includes:

• Cell phones

• Smart watches and smart glasses

• Wireless earbuds and headphones

• Personal tablets and laptops

• Handheld gaming devices

• Other personal devices that can send, receive or record messages, images, audio or video

Devices should be powered off or placed on silent mode and stored in the student's assigned locker or cubby.

These expectations apply throughout the entire academic school day, including:

• Classes

• Lunch

• Recess

• Passing periods

• Transitional periods

Students also may not access or use social media platforms during the academic school day.

reasons behind the change

WCPS provides students with school-issued technology when it is needed for instruction. Personal devices are not necessary during the school day and can create distractions that interfere with learning, student social experiences, and the overall school environment.

The updated expectations also align with Maryland's Joanne C. Benson Maryland Phone-Free Schools Act, which requires school systems to establish policies limiting student use of personally-owned electronic communication devices during the academic school day.

What if my child needs to reach me?

Families should continue to contact the school office when they need to reach a student during the school day. School staff can make sure important or time-sensitive information reaches your child.

Students may also be permitted to use a personal device during an emergency, urgent or time-sensitive situation when authorized by a staff member or administrator.

specific exceptions

Limited exceptions may be approved when a personal device is necessary for specific circumstances, including:

• A documented disability or accommodation through an IEP or Section 504 Plan

• A documented medical or health-related need

• Language translation when a school-issued device is not available or sufficient

• Approved caregiving responsibilities

• An educational purpose when a school-issued device is unavailable or insufficient

• An emergency, urgent or time-sensitive situation

Parents or legal guardians requesting an exception for the current school year must complete the designated WCPS exception process and provide any required documentation.

consequences for using a device during the school day

WCPS will use progressive discipline to help students understand and follow the expectations.

For violations that do not involve additional misconduct:

• First violation: The student will be directed to stop using the device and place it in the appropriate storage location for the remainder of the school day.

• Second violation: The device may be confiscated for the remainder of the school day, and the parent or legal guardian will be notified.

• Third violation: The device may be confiscated and must be picked up by a parent or legal guardian.

• Repeated violations: Additional disciplinary consequences may apply in accordance with the WCPS Student Code of Conduct and disciplinary guidelines.

More serious circumstances — such as refusal to follow staff directions, disruption, bullying, harassment, academic dishonesty or unauthorized recording — may result in additional consequences.

phones on school buses and during after-school activities

Students may use personal electronic devices while riding the school bus to or from school as long as the use is safe, appropriate and does not disrupt bus operations.

At athletics, performances, clubs, dances and other school-sponsored activities outside the academic school day, device use is generally permitted unless a coach, sponsor, administrator or supervising staff member establishes a restriction for safety, privacy, supervision or another operational reason.

field trips

The same expectations generally remain in place during school-sponsored field trips that occur during the academic school day. A supervising staff member may allow students to use a personal device for an educational purpose, safety concern or emergency communication.

Photography and recording

Students may not photograph or make audio or video recordings of others during the academic school day unless authorized by school administration or supervising staff.

Photography and recording are never permitted in areas where individuals have a reasonable expectation of privacy, including restrooms, locker rooms, changing areas, health offices and counseling offices.

Partnering with families

Keeping students focused during the school day will take a partnership among students, staff and families.

Families can help by:

• Reminding students that their devices need to remain stored throughout the school day.

• Avoiding calls, texts and social media messages to students during school hours.

• Contacting the school office when an urgent message needs to reach a student.

• Talking with students about responsible technology use and the benefits of taking a break from personal devices during the school day.