DMV schools lock down cellphones, boost security for new year
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Illustration: Maura Losch/Axios
Phones will be locked away — and new surveillance tech is coming in — as D.C.-area schools revamp their policies for the new year.
Why it matters: Schools say the changes aim to boost learning, improve student wellbeing, and curb threats.
The big picture: Cellphone bans and restrictions are accelerating across the D.C. region, mirroring national efforts to cut screen time and reduce cyberbullying.
- The pushback: Parents who argue they should be able to reach their kids at any time, especially in emergencies.
State of play: Here's what public districts are enforcing this year:
- D.C.: Bell-to-bell phone ban for middle and high schoolers when students return next week.
- Montgomery County, MD: Phones banned in elementary and middle; phones restricted to non-class time in high school.
- Frederick County, MD: Elementary phone ban; limited to instructional use in upper grades.
- Alexandria City: Phones and smartwatches banned.
- Prince William County, VA: Bell-to-bell phone ban.
What we're watching: D.C.-area districts are piloting tech to boost campus security.
- Loudoun County is expanding an AI tool that scans cameras for fights, bullying and weapons — even outside school hours. It was piloted for high school students and will be expanded to lower grades.
- Loudoun is also testing metal detectors at select sporting events.
- Alexandria is adding AI-enabled weapons detectors in all middle and high schools.
Zoom in: Montgomery County educators say misbehavior spiked after students returned from pandemic-era virtual learning.
- MCPS is rolling out tougher penalties this year for bomb threats, assaults and other infractions.