Four things to know about MCPS’ new cell phone rules

Mobile devices banned for entire day, except for on buses

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August 7, 2026 10:45 a.m.

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All students at Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) will be expected to put their cell phones and other mobile devices away for the entire school day for the 2026-2027 school year, following changes to the district’s Student Code of Conduct and its regulations concerning cell phones.  

The change, which largely will impact high school students, comes roughly one year after the district updated its cell phone regulations to primarily increase the limits on student cellphone use in middle schools. It also comes after the Maryland legislature passed a bill requiring each county school board to create “a policy prohibiting the use of an electronic communication device by a student during the school day except under certain circumstances.” The bill was signed into law by Gov. Wes Moore (D) on May 26.   

Here’s a look at what students and families should know about the changes: 

1. All students, regardless of grade, will have to put their phones away during the academic day 

According to its cell phone regulations, updated July 20, students can have their cell phones and other mobile devices on campus, but are prohibited from using them during the academic day. The academic day is defined as “any structured or unstructured learning experience that occurs beginning when the first bell rings at the start of the school day until the dismissal bell rings at the end of the school day, including instructional periods, lunch, recess, passing, and transitional periods.” 

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This is a change for high school students, who last year were able to use their phones during lunch and between classes, but not during instructional time. The change mirrors MCPS regulations released in May 2025 implemented for the 2025-2026 school year that required elementary and middle school students to keep their phones and personal devices turned off and put away during classes, lunchtime and transitions between classes. 

2. The ban includes cell phones and any other non-MCPS issued device that connects to the internet 

This includes e-readers, computers, smart watches, smart glasses or other devices “equipped with microphones, headphones (including airpods, earbuds), speakers, and/or cameras,” according to the cell phone regulation.  

3. There are some exceptions, including while riding buses  

The regulation details several exceptions, including that students will be able to use devices while riding to or from school, or on transportation to or from school sponsored events. High school students are also allowed to use their devices to authenticate their identity or log in to external websites such as the College Board although this “access is granted at the teacher’s discretion and monitoring.” 

Students with disabilities or accommodations, including students with an Individualized Education Programs (IEP) or 504 Plans, may use their devices to support or provide accommodations. Families and educational advocates have often used the example of students with diabetes, who use their phones to monitor their glucose levels, although that’s not the only circumstance students with disabilities or special education needs may need to use their device.  

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The regulations also list exceptions such as “emergency situations as designated by the principal,” to access language translation tools for multilingual students and for the purpose of meeting caregiving responsibilities, as approved by the school’s principal.  

4. How will students be punished if they use their devices? 

According to the 2026-2027 student code of conduct, punishments for students who use their mobile devices “persistently” will range from level one to level three consequences.  

Level one is “classroom and teacher based,” which can include restorative approaches, verbal correction and reminders, written reflections, detention, parent/guardian outreach and referral to a counselor.  

Level two is classroom and teacher based “with consultation and supporting resources.” This includes all level one options and parent/guardian and student conference, and consultation with an “educational management team,” this includes a behavioral contract, community service or planned check-ins with school counselors.  

Level three is principal based, in school discipline. This can include parent/guardian and student conference with the principal, restriction from participation in extracurricular activities and in school suspension. Level three consequences would be reserved for students who persistently use their mobile devices even after the student has been warned.  

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Originally published at Bethesdamagazine