The county’s technology policies have been massively overhauled for the 2025-26 school year. Personal mobile devices (PMDs) are now completely banned during instructional time for all grades, and must be put in special pouches located in every class. While students of all grades may use their PMDs before and after school, including on the bus, elementary and middle school students may not have their PMDs out during lunch nor during passing periods.
“Limiting phone use during class helps students stay focused, engaged and better able to retain information,” reads a recent MCPS post. “Less phone time means more learning time.” In addition to restricting phone use, MCPS has also imposed a complete ban on personal computers, meaning that all computers used in schools must be issued by MCPS.
“I think it’s great that the school is doing it, even though I think it’s a lot and a big change for the students,” explained Mrs. Kalpowitz, who has been teaching English at B-CC for 10 years. “Last year’s phone policy had no teeth…It was fluffy.”
She described the decision to ban personal computers as addressing an “equity problem,” noting that “some kids can’t afford personal computers… that creates some unfairness.”
B-CC students are feeling the changes, including sophomore David Velasquez. “I think it’s good because teachers don’t want students to be cheating. But at the same time…what if you have an emergency?” Velasquez explained. Describing the PMD policy as a “big upgrade” and a “good change,” he predicted it would be successful.
Students with 504 accommodations or Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) will continue to have the technology access specially prescribed to them. For more information, go to the MCPS website’s phone policy section.
