Why It Matters
Maryland is on the verge of becoming one of the latest states to implement a sweeping “bell to bell” cell phone ban in public schools, a policy shift that would affect hundreds of thousands of students across the state beginning in the 2027-28 school year. The legislation, now advancing through the General Assembly, would restrict student access to personal electronic devices not just during class time, but throughout the entire school day — including lunch, recess, and passing periods between classes.
Supporters argue the policy will improve focus, academic performance, and student well-being. Critics, including disability rights advocates, have raised concerns about whether the bills adequately protect students who depend on personal devices for accessibility and health monitoring.
What Happened
Both chambers of the Maryland General Assembly approved separate but similar pieces of legislation targeting student cell phone use in public schools. The Senate voted unanimously to pass Senate Bill 928, sponsored by Sen. Kevin Harris (D-Prince George’s, Charles and Calvert). The House followed with a 135-1 vote in favor of House Bill 525, sponsored by Del. Adrian Boafo (D-Prince George’s), with Del. Robin Grammer Jr. (R-Baltimore County) casting the lone dissenting vote.
The bills would prohibit students from using personal electronic devices — including cell phones and other wireless technology — from the first bell to the last bell of the school day. The restriction extends beyond the classroom to cover lunchtime, recess, and transitional periods when students move between classes.
Under both bills, individual local school boards would retain authority over how the policy is enforced and where students must store their devices during the school day. School administrators could grant exceptions allowing personal device use for educational purposes if a school-issued device is unavailable.
Sen. Harris, reflecting on the legislation in a Wednesday interview, drew a contrast with past generations. “I think we need to get back to that,” Harris said, referencing an era when school officials would contact families directly in case of an emergency. “The most important piece here is the instructional time and being attentive and paying attention. I think our young people actually need to really be more focused from bell to bell.”
Key Exceptions Under the Bills
Both bills include a limited set of exemptions to the proposed ban. Students would be permitted to use a personal electronic device if they have documented caregiving responsibilities, such as monitoring a younger sibling. Students with a diagnosed health condition requiring device-based monitoring would also be exempt.
Additionally, students covered under an Individualized Education Program, or IEP, would be allowed to use devices as specified in their plans. However, those exceptions have drawn criticism from disability advocates who argue the language does not go far enough.
Ronza Othman, president of the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland, submitted written testimony opposing Senate Bill 928. Othman described her reaction to the bills’ passage as “shocking” and said it “makes me heart sick,” raising questions about whether students who rely on personal devices for accessibility tools are sufficiently protected under the current bill language.
By the Numbers
- 135-1: The House vote margin in favor of House Bill 525, reflecting overwhelming bipartisan support.
- Unanimous: The Senate’s vote on Senate Bill 928, with no opposing votes recorded.
- 2027-28: The school year in which the bell-to-bell ban would take effect if signed into law.
- April 1: The scheduled House Ways and Means Committee hearing date for Senate Bill 928.
- 24 local school systems in Maryland would each be responsible for determining their own enforcement and storage policies under the legislation.
Zoom Out
Maryland’s legislation mirrors a growing national movement to limit cell phone use in schools. More than a dozen states, including Florida, Indiana, and Louisiana, have passed or are actively considering similar restrictions. The push has gained momentum following research linking excessive smartphone use among adolescents to declining academic performance, increased anxiety, and reduced in-person social interaction.
The U.S. Surgeon General has also weighed in on the issue, previously calling on schools and policymakers to take action on youth smartphone and social media exposure. Federal education officials have encouraged states to develop their own frameworks, leaving implementation largely to state legislatures and local school districts.
What’s Next
The House Ways and Means Committee is scheduled to hold a hearing on Senate Bill 928 on April 1. House Bill 525 has been referred to the Senate Education, Energy and the Environment Committee, though no hearing date has been announced. Both chambers will need to reconcile the two bills before a final version can be sent to the governor for signature. If enacted, school systems across Maryland will have until the start of the 2027-28 academic year to develop and implement compliant policies.