Montgomery County educators push for a cell phone-free policy to enhance student focus and well-being.
MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. — Imagine a classroom where students are fully engaged—heads up, eyes on the lesson, and conversations happening in real life instead of through screens. That’s the vision Montgomery County educators have as they push for a cell phone-free learning environment.
The Montgomery County Education Association (MCEA) is calling on Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) to implement a cell phone-free policy to minimize distractions and improve student focus.
The teachers’ union, which represents more than 14,000 educators, recently passed a resolution urging MCPS to adopt a phased approach to limiting cell phone use in schools. The proposal would fully ban cell phones in elementary and middle schools, while allowing high school students to use them only during lunch and between classes. Exceptions would be made for students with documented medical or special education needs.
Why ban cell phones?
MCEA President David Stein emphasized that cell phones not only disrupt learning but also contribute to mental health challenges.
“Like many other educators in school districts across the country, MCEA members have long understood how cell phones and other personal mobile devices can not only distract students from academic achievement but can also exacerbate mental health challenges,” said MCEA President David Stein. “MCEA is looking forward to engaging with MCPS leadership and other stakeholders to formulate a policy that enhances teaching and learning at all levels.”
Teachers weigh in:
Justin Fauntroy, a computer science teacher at Argyle Middle School and co-chair of the union’s cell phone policy working group, said cell phones are unnecessary in classrooms.
“I know that my students do not need to use cell phones in classrooms or between classes.” Fauntroy said, “We need students to be meaningfully engaged in classes – and with one another.”
Rainer Kulenkampff, a social studies teacher at Walter Johnson High School and fellow co-chair of the working group, stressed the importance of a clear and enforceable policy.
“Change is difficult, but we know that helping our students succeed is worth it,” Kulenkampff said. “It’s critical that we get this right so we can improve teaching and learning conditions while also strengthening students’ mental health and well-being.”
What’s next?
The success of this proposal depends on MCPS’s willingness to create a consistent and enforceable policy. The union plans to work closely with school leadership to ensure any new rules are properly supported.
For more information on the MCEA’s proposal, visit www.mceanea.org.
