Schools are implementing stricter cell phone policies to reduce distractions and enhance focus during the school day. Pilot programs have been introduced at select schools, prohibiting phone use not only in classrooms but also during lunch and transitions between classes. These initiatives align with a broader trend nationwide, as education leaders work to address the challenges posed by unrestricted cell phone use. Surveys have been distributed to families to gather input on potential guidelines, fostering collaboration in shaping these policies.

While many see value in limiting phone use, others advocate for their integration into learning. Mobile devices, they argue, can serve as powerful tools for accessing accurate information and modernizing education, ensuring students are better prepared for real-world demands. As discussions continue, schools and families are exploring balanced approaches to effectively manage mobile technology on campus.

FOX 5 Reporter Tisha Lewis [00:00:00] Science and policy is that any potential student cell phone use policy will break it down. Coming up on the other side of the break. Stay with us.

FOX 5 Reporter 2 [00:00:08] Students using cell phones during school continues to be a hot topic tonight. Families in Montgomery County are being asked for their input on the school district’s cell phone policy for students during the school day.

FOX 5 Reporter 3 [00:00:18] I feel like no matter where you live, people are having this conversation. Fox News Tisha Lewis is in the newsroom tonight with more on this one and where it goes next.

FOX 5 Reporter Tisha Lewis [00:00:26] Hi there, Angie. You know, it’s a hot topic and my people, you got I mean, parents a lot of folks are talking about this one. And a survey that has been distributed to families via email designed to get feedback from parents about any potential guidelines or rules on students cell phone use. Across Montgomery County public schools, in fact, the district joins several school districts across the area, including Arlington and also Prince William County Public school districts focusing on curbing cell phone use on campus and most importantly, in classrooms in Montgomery County. A new pilot program is underway at some schools prohibiting the use of cell phones during the day. Similar programs, again, are taking place in Northern Virginia and Arlington. And Prince William County is preventing students from using their cell phones during the day, including during the lunch and while switching classes. Now, again, similar policies are in place across the country and here in the DMV. As education leaders focus on full stop policies concerning cell phones. Even so, on the flip side, we spoke with a health and wellness leader who says cell phones can be used as a tool for learning.

Dr. Matt Chalmers [00:01:31] Our education system is falling so far behind where we really are. It’s kind of antiquated. The idea that we should memorize where all that, when all the capitals are, when you can just look it up on your phone, is is really how you get to the point where the kids are getting irritated that they’re having to do things that are way behind where we where we technically are. So integrating this phone into daily use of, hey, if you’re going to be in your job and you have come up with some information, getting the information and getting accurate information should be where we’re really kind of pushing these kids to go.

FOX 5 Reporter Tisha Lewis [00:02:00] Montgomery County Public Schools says any cell phone use policy would apply to all personal mobile devices not provided by the school district. We did reach out to Montgomery County Public Schools about the survey they emailed out to families over the weekend and there was no response. I did speak also to the parents coalition in Montgomery County and they tell me they are working closely with families on any potential student cell phone use policy.

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