BOWIE, Md. (DC News Now) — There is an effort in Maryland to put phones on silent in schools. The Prince George’s County Council is looking to ban cell phones in class and it is a policy that has not been changed since the 1990’s.
Councilwoman Wanika Fisher is spearheading the effort.
“I am hoping the bill will pass at full council and I am hoping our county school board and the superintendent will look at this seriously and start implementing plans to update our cell phone policy that has not been updated since the 90’s,” Fisher said. “It is time for us to put our children first and make sure cell phones are out of the classroom.”
Tanya Scott-Thomas and her Husband Eric Thomas support the Council’s efforts to pass new legislation. They never allow their two twin 12-year-old sons, who are in middle school, to take cell phones to class.
“I agree with it. We do not want our two 12-year-olds to have cell phones in school. There are so many kids who have cell phones at school and this is a better fit for our family and if they implement this in all the schools we would be behind it,” Thomas said.
Councilwoman Wanika Fisher said cell phones used by students in school cause too many problems such as bullying, distractions and mental health issues.
“We all care about our children in Prince George’s and when it comes to their grades and mental health and classroom disruption and bullying and there has been so much data and research to support the problems cell phones in school will cause that is why I want them prohibited,” Fisher said.
Fisher said other Maryland counties such as Howard, Baltimore and Anne Arundel are also looking to possibly restrict cell phone usage in schools.
In a few weeks, the proposed bill to ban cellphones in Prince George’s County schools will head to the full Council for a final vote.
