The Washington County Board of Education (WCBOE) is considering updates to its policy about students using cell phones, smart devices, and social media during the school day.

The policy specifically addresses “personally-owned electronic devices,” which includes but are not limited to:

Cell phones
Smart watches
Smart glasses
Earbuds
Tablets

The proposed changes are connected to the new Maryland Phone-Free Schools Act. The State law requires all Maryland school systems to follow a policy that does not allow students to use cell phones and personal electronic devices during the school day and requires the devices to be stored (with limited exceptions).

The law requires the proposed changes to take effect during the 2027-2028 school year, but Washington County Public Schools (WCPS) is moving to implement the policy changes for the 2026-2027 school year in an effort to remove distractions from classrooms and promote positive learning environments.

The policy under review is Policy JICJ, currently titled: Use of Personally-Owned Electronic Devices. As it stands, students are expected to keep cell phones and devices "Off and Out of Sight" during all instructional time.

Some exceptions would still allow students to use cell phones in circumstances for medical or health needs, learning accommodations, approved educational activities, emergencies, or other administrator-approved situations.

Students would also be allowed to use cell phones and devices on school buses as long as the use does not cause problems or distractions.

All members of the Washington County Public Schools learning community are encouraged to complete a brief survey to provide feedback about these changes to the WCBOE’s Policy Committee. The survey will be open through Friday, May 29, 2026.