Wicomico County Public Schools To Implement “bell To Bell, No Cell” Phone Policy

WICOMICO COUNTY, Md. – Wicomico County Public Schools (WCPS) are implementing a new phone policy ahead of the 2026-2027 school year.

Starting Sept. 1, students will not be permitted to use personal electronic devices during the school day. The rule covers instructional time, lunch, passing periods, transportation on shuttle buses, and all other school-related activities during the school day. Students may use cell phones and other electronic communication devices before the first bell and after the dismissal bell only. The policy comes just days after Talbot County Public Schools announced their own version of the no-phone policy.

Further, a personal communication device is defined as any device not owned by WCPS, including, but not limited to, cell phones, AngelSense devices, earbuds, headphones, smart watches, wearable technology, and devices with photo, audio recording, or communication capabilities (e.g., smart glasses or recording pens).

“The goal is simple: Wicomico Schools wants to create a safer, more focused, distraction-free learning environment in our schools where students engage with teachers, classmates, and learning instead of personal devices,” the school system said. “This clear expectation of ‘Bell to Bell, No Cell’ truly means what is says, and it applies to all personal communication devices throughout the academic day.”

School leaders say the change is being made in response to the recently passed Joanne C. Benson Maryland Phone-Free Schools Act, which requires all Maryland public school systems to implement policies governing the use of personal communication devices beginning with the 2027-2028 school year. Leaders say another added benefit to implementing the policy a year early is reducing “inappropriate recording,” such as sharing school fights, confrontations, or other inappropriate activities.

WCPS Superintendent Micha Stauffer said if a student violates the policy there is an escalation process for consequences. The first offence is a verbal warning from a teacher; a second offence requires teachers to notify the office and confiscating the phone. Confiscated phones are returned at the end of the day, but any time after the second offence a parent must pick the phone up for their student.  

Students in Wicomico Schools will continue to use school system-issued technology, such as laptops, for instruction when directed by staff for instructional purposes.

“We’re very interested in making sure that our learning environments are focused for our students each and every day and each moment during the day. So, we’re supportive of that legislation and we’re supportive of moving that forward now,” Stauffer said in an interview with WMDT. “That’s why we took steps to go ahead and put this in place for this school year. So that we have the best learning environments for our students to achieve success.” 

Stauffer added that the school will be flexible working with students on phone usage in the event of emergencies and there can be exceptions made for students within IEP and 504 plans.