WESTOVER, MD — Somerset County Public Schools (SCPS) is reaffirming its expectations regarding student use of cell phones and other personal electronic devices following the enactment of Maryland House Bill 525, the Joanne C. Benson Maryland Phone-Free Schools Act.
Governor Wes Moore approved House Bill 525 on May 26, 2026, and the law took effect July 1, 2026. The legislation requires every Maryland county board of education to develop and implement, no later than the 2027–2028 school year, a policy prohibiting student use of personal electronic communication devices during the academic school day.
The law defines the academic school day as the period from the first bell through the dismissal bell, including instructional periods, lunch, recess, class changes, and other transitional periods. It also requires devices to be stored during the school day and prohibits students from accessing social media platforms during that time.
Somerset County Public Schools already has established expectations under Board of Education Policy 600-31, Personal Electronic Devices. The policy, most recently revised in April 2025, aligns to House Bill 525, requiring devices to be deactivated, kept out of sight, and secured in an approved location during the school day.
Protecting instructional time and creating classrooms where students can fully engage with their teachers and classmates are essential to student success. Consistent expectations for personal electronic devices help reduce distractions, support meaningful face-to-face interactions, and maintain learning environments where every student has the opportunity to succeed.
Personal electronic devices covered by SCPS Policy 600-31 include cell phones, smartphones, smartwatches, handheld computers, cameras, audio recorders, and other devices capable of receiving, transmitting, photographing, recording, or displaying content. Students who violate the policy may have their devices confiscated, and a parent or guardian may be required to retrieve the device.
The state law, as well as Policy 600-31, protects appropriate access for students who need an electronic communication device:
As part of an Individualized Education Program or Section 504 Plan;
To address a documented health need;
To access language-translation tools when an appropriate school-issued device is unavailable or insufficient; or
To fulfill approved caregiving responsibilities.
Parents and guardians who need to contact their child during the school day should call the school’s main office. School personnel will ensure that important or urgent messages are delivered promptly.
SCPS appreciates the cooperation of students, families, employees, and community partners as the school system continues to provide safe, supportive, and distraction-free learning environments.
Somerset County Public Schools
7982A Tawes Campus Drive
Westover, Maryland 21871
410-651-1616
www.somerset.k12.md.us