Virginia has joined other states taking action to restrict cellphone use in public schools to address concerns regarding students’ academic performance and mental well-being. Governor Glenn Youngkin issued an executive order aiming to provide guidance and model policies for local schools to implement by January. The order highlighted research showing that students who use phones during class tend to learn less and achieve lower grades, as well as concerns about the negative impact of phones and social media on adolescent mental health.
States like Florida, Indiana, and Ohio have already implemented cellphone restrictions in schools, and a growing number of states are introducing “phone-free schools” legislation. The National Center for Education Statistics reported that 76% of public schools prohibited non-academic cell phone use during the last school year.
In Virginia, school districts are increasingly implementing bans or strict regulations on student cellphone use. For instance, Loudoun County Public Schools now generally prohibit elementary students from using phones during the school day, while middle school students can only use their phones before or after school and are expected to store them in lockers during school hours.
The Hanover County Public Schools board in Richmond has been discussing cellphone policies extensively and planned to address the issue at a recent board meeting. Superintendent Jason Kamras of the Richmond public schools expressed support for the cellphone restrictions, citing increased student engagement and reduced distractions observed during a pilot cellphone ban at some schools last year.
The Virginia Education Association emphasized the importance of developing practical and enforceable policies that benefit educators, students, and families, calling for a nuanced approach to the issue. Youngkin’s executive order includes plans to gather public input through listening sessions and define detailed guidelines for a “cell phone free education.” School divisions are expected to adopt policies by January 1, with the Virginia Department of Education clarifying that the guidance will go through the official regulatory process despite potential challenges in enforcing executive orders on local education policies.
