US schools implement or propose bell-to-bell smartphone bans

Educational authorities in Maryland and California are implementing or proposing stricter restrictions on student smartphone use during school hours.

In Talbot County, Maryland, public schools will implement a “No Cell. Bell to Bell.” policy starting August 24. This mandate prohibits students from using cell phones, smartwatches, earbuds, and other personal communication devices from the start of the school day until dismissal. This move places the district a year ahead of the Joanne C. Benson Maryland Phone-Free Schools Act, which requires state-wide restrictions by the 2027-28 school year. District officials noted that pilot programs using Yondr locking pouches have already shown improvements in student behavior and learning.

In California, lawmakers are advancing Assembly Bill 1644, a bipartisan effort to establish a bell-to-bell ban on smartphones for students in kindergarten through eighth grade. While current California law allows individual districts to set their own policies, the proposed bill seeks more uniform restrictions to combat issues related to social media addiction and cognitive development. Governor Gavin Newsom has expressed support for increased measures to address student anxiety and screen time dependency.