Over the summer, multiple changes were made to the Calvert County Public Schools (CCPS) Code of Conduct by the Board of Education. The most controversial change, according to students, is the new phone policy. As of the 2024-2025 school year, students may bring their phones to school, but once inside the building, “the device must be powered completely off (not on vibrate or silent mode) and must remain in a non-visible, secure location, with the exception of administratively approved classroom activities and lunchtime.” (CCPS Code of Conduct)
The reason for this decision is included in the section, Electronic and Communication Devices, which states, “based on local and national data, cell phones and smartwatches have the potential to disrupt classroom instruction and the overall school climate. Thus, guidelines are in place to ensure that the possession and use of cell phones/smartwatches by students does not disrupt the learning environment.”
This rule doesn’t just apply to cell phones and smartwatches, but also earbuds, and any other sort of electronic devices. As stated in a subsection of the phone policy, “the camera/audio/video function of any device must not be used on school property unless used for instructional and/or academic purposes and with the approval of the administration and/or teacher,” which means filming in school (for social medias such as TikTok) will no longer be tolerated.
According to Northern High School Principal Dr. Simmons, the only times that devices are permitted is on the bus, lunch, patriot time, and during administratively approved classroom activities, unless a student has medical documentation saying otherwise.
Students are not allowed to text parents during classes. “If there is an emergency, parents/guardians are encouraged to contact the school. All cell phone/smartwatch guidelines, expectations and discipline consequences apply even if communicating with parents/guardians,” as stated in the CCPS Code of Conduct.
Northern High School is taking this phone policy seriously. The hallways are being monitored for phones and earbuds. Multiple students have already been caught breaking the new rules and faced consequences.
Students have various opinions on this topic. Sophomores Grace McRoberts and Ryan James see this new policy as a positive. “I think that the phone policy could work and help kids to focus on their school work more,” said McRoberts. “I’m like the only person in the world who agrees with this phone policy,” added James.
Mixed reviews fill the school, with reasonable explanations for their opinions on being for or against the policy. “I think it’s trash,” stated sophomore Scarlet Kneale. “It’s stupid,” said Sophomore grader Astro Jimenez. “It just makes people want their phones more; it’s like reverse psychology.” But, not all students agree with this. “No phones means no distractions,” said James in contrast.
The main complaint amongst students seems to be regarding the cell phone restrictions in the hallways. “It’s way too extreme and way too extra, like where are my friends? Where are they at? I don’t know because I don’t have my phone!” commented Kneale. It has become an issue that students can’t contact their friends prior to patriot time. Before the phone policy was approved, the hallways were one of the few locations where students were able to check their phones between classes.
Not only is it affecting the students themselves, but they have also realized a change in their teachers’ assignments. “A few of my teachers have commented about not being able to do certain activities anymore,” shared McRoberts.
The phone policy was created with the goal of helping students focus during class time and stay productive. Although, it does appear to have its flaws.