Catholic Review

Inspiring the Archdiocese of Baltimore

Catholic schools across the Archdiocese of Baltimore are increasingly limiting cell phone use in an effort to strengthen learning and relationships between students and teachers. (Christopher Gunty/CR Staff)

Catholic school cell phones policies aim to boost focus, well-being, real connection


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Special to the Catholic Review Filed Under: Feature, Local News, News, Schools

Catholic schools across the Archdiocese of Baltimore are increasingly limiting cell phone use in an effort to strengthen learning and relationships between students and teachers.

Cell phones tend to shut down meaningful communication. “They don’t promote engagement and the interaction that students and teachers should have,” said Danielle Hladky, director of communications and marketing at Calvert Hall College High School in Towson.

Limiting phone use is also about respect, Hladky said. Calvert Hall’s policies aim to encourage direct, one-on-one interaction instead of the multitasking often seen with technology.

The school enforces an “all time” cell phone policy. Now in its 11th year, the policy bans phone use inside classrooms and buildings. Students may only use phones outside. Devices seen or heard indoors are confiscated until the end of the day. Violators typically receive six days of detention. The school is “very serious” about cell phone use and texting, she said.

Maryvale Preparatory School in Lutherville adopted a similar policy. Jessica Randisi, head of student life and dean of students, said the school introduced a “phone-free Monday through Friday” policy after piloting it during the 2024–25 school year. Students could self-monitor phone use with the understanding that a “turn in” program would be enforced if necessary. The pilot succeeded and was fully implemented in March.

“The students expressed some angst about this, but overall, it has gone well,” Randisi said.

At St. John the Evangelist Catholic School in Severna Park, principal Glenna Blessing said students turn in phones and smartwatches, retrieving them later in the day.

“By removing smart technology, we’re able to work on the social well-being of students,” Blessing said. “They must collaborate and look each other in the eye.”

Cell phone policies are not only helping students stay focused, they also address safety and mental health concerns.

“Research shows a clear link between the rise of cell phone usage and the increase in teenage anxiety, depression and numerous other mental health concerns,” Randisi said.

The distraction factor is also significant. In spring 2024, Maryvale surveyed its students using a tool from the International Coalition of Girls’ Schools. The results showed 40 percent of students admitted to texting while doing schoolwork, and 39 percent said they used social media at the same time.

International trends

  • In 2018, France enacted a law banning mobile phones, tablets for students aged 3 to 15 (primary and middle school).
  • In 2021, China’s Ministry of Education prohibited students from bringing mobile phones to school without written parental consent.

    In 2022, Italy extended its existing bans on mobile phones in primary and middle schools to include high schools, allowing exceptions only for educational use or students with special needs.

  • As of September 2024, seven U.S. states have implemented statewide policies that ban or restrict cellphone use in K-12 public schools

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Although Taina Fernandez looks forward to her senior year at Archbishop Spalding High School in Severn, she also has major plans following graduation. An elite athlete and the first girl to claim a wrestling title against boys in the Maryland Interscholastic Athletic Association – arguably the most challenging prep league in the state – Fernandez has her sights set on a berth in the 2028 Los Angeles Summer Olympics.

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