WASHINGTON, D.C. – May 26, 2026 – Leading child safety and well-being organizations, The Anxious Generation Movement, Smartphone Free Childhood US, Institute for Families and Technology, and Becca Schmill Foundation, announced today that Maryland’s new law earned a “B” grade on the Phone-Free Schools State Report Card. Maryland previously received an “F” grade for failing to pass a law during the 2025 legislative session.
The Joanne C. Benson Maryland Phone-Free Schools Act (H.B. 525) sponsored by Delegate Adrian Boafo (D-MD) and State Senator Kevin Harris (D-MD) was signed into law by Governor Wes Moore (D-MD). The law requires county boards to implement policies prohibiting student electronic device use throughout the entire school day, or “bell-to-bell,” starting in the 2027–28 academic year. Co-sponsors Delegate Sarah Wolek (D-MD) and Delegate Chao Wu (D-MD) also served as integral champions on the issue. Maryland’s law is now one of the strongest in the nation in prohibiting exclusionary discipline for policy violations (e.g. suspension, expulsion).
“We applaud Del. Boafo, Del. Wolek, Del. Wu, and Sen. Harris for their leadership freeing Maryland students from the distractions of personal electronic devices during the entire school day,” said Emily Rapp, policy director for the Institute of Families and Technology. “Maryland should also be commended as a national leader for prioritizing equitable implementation - ensuring students are not suspended or expelled for policy infractions.”
“Maryland is setting an example for “F” states to follow by establishing a consistent standard that will benefit students and teachers statewide,” said Deb Schmill, founder of the Becca Schmill Foundation. “We hope Maryland will go even further by ensuring devices are stored in inaccessible locations for the entire school day.”
Bell-to-bell policies mandating phones are inaccessible while at school are considered the grade “A” standard under the Report Card’s criteria. These policies are proven to enhance academic performance, improve students’ mental and physical health, increase teacher satisfaction, protect student safety and privacy, and deepen school community relationships.
More information about Maryland’s grade can be found here.
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About the Phone-Free Schools State Report Card
Launched in 2026, the Phone-Free Schools State Report Card is published by leading child safety and well-being organizations, including The Anxious Generation Movement, Smartphone Free Childhood US, Institute for Families and Technology, and Becca Schmill Foundation. The report evaluates whether the laws in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., meet the gold standard for phone-free schools: policies requiring all students to store their personal electronic devices in secure, inaccessible locations for the entire school day (bell-to-bell).