DCPS Seeking Feedback for Cell Phone Policy

(CAMBRIDGE, Md) – Kids having their cell phones in schools is an ever-evolving issue. And after a year of testing through a pilot program, Dorchester County Public Schools are now asking for public feedback when it comes to their student cell phone policy.”

Dorchester Assistant Superintendent, Michael Collins says they tried phone pouches that have become popular in schools across the country, with results that the district doesn’t see as viable long-term.

Collins tells us, “We did see a drop in the amount of cell phones that were reported or confiscated. However, due to students finding ways to evade using the pouches, bring in multiple phones, still keeping them on them, not using them in. The main thing is the pouches did have a lot of wear and tear on them…”

Cody Morse is a former teacher at Mace’s Lane Middle School, and as the parent of a child will start school soon, he does have his share of concerns.

“It is better to where maybe limit what the kids can do. But have one them too, in case of an emergency, because you never know nowadays,” says Morse.

That’s why parents like Cody are being encouraged by the school district to voice their feedback for the updated policy.

“It’s a draft policy and we have it on our website for public feedback. So we do encourage parents, students, community to give us feedback,” says Collins.

School officials say it’s not about preventing kids from reaching their parents, but to ensure students are fully engaged.

With Morse telling us, “…Kids are more focused on social media than actually paying attention to school. So we put that block on social media during school hours. Kids can still have their phones…”

The deadline to provide feedback is August 15th.

If you would like to have your voice heard for the DCPS Phone Policy, you can visit their website.