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    Frederick County Public Schools rolls out new cell phone policy

    By Skyler Sales,

    6 hours ago

    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0CcBHe_0v5qcaGI00

    FREDERICK COUNTY, Md. ( DC News Now ) — Whether it’s texting or scrolling, Frederick County Schools is trying to put a stop to cell phone use in their schools, but the question remains: how will a new cell phone policy be enforced in the classroom?

    “I don’t think that it will be a logistical problem, but it is going to be a shift in people’s thinking and expectations,” said Melissa Dirks, president of the Frederick County Teachers Association.

    Melissa Dirks is also an art teacher and knows all too well the distractions cell phones can create in a classroom setting. Dirks said limiting cell phone use is something teachers have been asking for.

    “There is quite a bit of research now that’s come out about the developing adolescent brain and the amount of time on social media, or the amount of time on their device being an issue for their social and emotional health,” said Dirks.

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    DC News Now spoke with other people who agreed with Dirks, expressing that cell phones have become an increasing distraction over the years.

    “Less distractions equals better classroom time,” said Sydney, who opted not to give her last name. “I think cell phones are useful for some aspects, but having access to everything throughout the day, I think it deters learning.”

    The cell phone policy will also prevent parents from calling or texting their children during school hours. Some parents say that although they disagree with that, they understand why.

    “They want you to be working with the school system, so I can understand why they would want that,” said Kenneth Johnson. “But I feel like a lot of parents are going to be upset about that.”

    The FCPS school board is meeting next month to discuss the policy further.

    Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

    For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.

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