Prince George’s County Councilmember Wanika Fisher (D- District 2) has introduced a non-binding resolution to reduce classroom usage of cellphones, with local education leaders supportive of the idea to improve focus on instruction. Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) have tried piloting various strategies to address cellphone usage. This bill passing committee not only works to stop students from using their phones in class, but is a step toward addressing classroom distractions.
“The Board of Education looks forward to collaborating closely with PGCPS administration [on a new policy,]” said Board of Education Chair Lolita Walker in a statement. “Our approach will also include public feedback from parents, scholars, and community members to ensure we reflect the values and needs of our district, particularly because we recognize there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution.”
County Council Chair Jolene Ivey (D- District 5) is in favor of action to reduce classroom cellphone usage, and emphasized the need for the legislation.
“I think parents understand it. I think even students might not agree with it, but they understand that when it comes to cellphone use in school, it’s just not helpful,” Ivey said. “You’re in school to learn. It’s really hard to learn when you’re distracted by TikTok and Instagram and when you’re texting your friends.”
PGCPS Superintendent Millard House II agrees with the sentiment behind Fisher’s bill, and considered possible support from state legislators for a Maryland-wide law.
“Social media and cellphones have really become a major disruption and I’m interested in seeing what those conversations look like at the state level,” House said. “And conversations between state and local leaders and parents are likely to heat up in the coming months, both as a way to hear feedback but also as a way to get parents on board with the idea that the policy appears likely to change in the future. Whether it’s at the state legislature, whether it’s at the state board level, whether it’s at the school district level… What I do know is that at each one of those levels, there are conversations happening right now.”
