Recent legislation in Maryland, known as the Joanne C. Benson Maryland Phone-Free Schools Act, requires school districts to enforce restrictions on student cellphone use. This law raises concerns among parents about communication during emergencies.
One parent, who experienced a distressing situation when their child reported U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity near their school, expressed the need for phones in school for safety reasons. They worry that under the new law, their child would not be able to contact them in a crisis.
Others share similar sentiments. Laurel Kelly from Wicomico County recounted instances where her children needed to reach out for help but lacked a phone. She argues that while phones can be distracting, they are also essential for communication and safety.
On the other hand, advocates for the new restrictions argue that unfettered access to phones can expose students to dangers beyond the classroom, including online predators and distractions from academic work. Paul Lemle, president of the Maryland State Education Association, emphasizes the need for a balanced approach to technology use in schools.
Maryland schools are tasked with developing individualized policies to comply with the new law, ensuring consistency across districts. Baltimore County has implemented an “off and away” policy since 2020, requiring students to keep their phones powered off and stored out of reach during school hours.
Heather Jennings, a teacher involved in creating the policy, acknowledges the anxiety parents feel about not being able to contact their children during emergencies. However, she believes the focus should be on ensuring student safety rather than constant communication.
The debate continues as parents and educators seek to find common ground between maintaining student safety and managing the challenges posed by cellphone use in schools. As schools adapt to the new law, the discussion around technology's role in education remains critical.
Reported by HarborBeat based on The Baltimore Banner (source).
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