MCPS to extend 'away all day' cell‑phone rule to high schools, officials say

MCPS officials said July 27 they will extend an 'away all day' policy that keeps personal mobile devices out of sight during instructional time to high schools, aligning system regulations with a new Maryland law.

Dr. Moran, who the committee introduced, said the decision followed a spring survey of parents, staff and students that identified personal devices as a distraction to learning. "Students are expected to keep personal mobile devices away and not in use throughout the instructional day," he said, adding that implementation will include guidance for schools and conferencing with families rather than default punitive sanctions. Dr. Moran relayed a student anecdote: "One student said to me, when I have my cell phone in my pocket, I have my mom in my pocket..." to explain emotional challenges when removing devices.

The system had budgeted $200,000 in FY26 for implementation materials; Dr. Moran told the committee those funds paid for classroom 'cubbies' and locking pouches and that schools selected the approach that best fit their context. "Some felt that the cubbies were just a great strategy for them and didn't touch the pouches," he said. MCPS said it will provide communication materials and implementation guidance to families and staff and align the regulation with the student code of conduct.

Councilmembers pressed for multi‑language communications and attention to student mental‑health needs as the policy expands to high school. Officials said tracking of disciplinary referrals began this year to meet the law's annual, disaggregated reporting requirement and emphasized that the rollout will focus on education and restorative supports.