Virginia has joined a growing number of states advocating for cellphone restrictions in public schools, citing concerns over students' academic achievement and mental health. Governor Glenn Youngkin issued an executive order to establish state guidance and model policies for local school systems to adopt by January. The order highlighted studies showing that students who use their phones during class tend to learn less and achieve lower grades. It also pointed out an 'alarming mental health crisis' among adolescents, partly attributed to cellphones and social media.
Last year, Florida became the first state to implement a law restricting phones in schools. Indiana and Ohio followed suit this year, while several other states have introduced similar 'phone-free schools' legislation. The National Center for Education Statistics reported that 76% of public schools prohibited 'non-academic cell phone use' during the 2021-2022 school year.
In Virginia, school districts have increasingly restricted students' phone use. For instance, Loudoun County Public Schools recently passed a policy banning elementary school students from using phones during the school day. Middle school students can use phones before or after school but must store them in lockers during the day. High school students are required to silence their phones and place them in designated storage during instructional time.
Local school systems like Hanover County Public Schools have been actively discussing this issue, with the superintendent expressing support for the cellphone restrictions. The state capital, Richmond, saw positive outcomes from a cellphone ban pilot in some high schools and middle schools, leading to increased student engagement and reduced distractions.
The Virginia Education Association emphasized the need for a nuanced approach to the issue, focusing on practical, enforceable policies that benefit educators, students, and families. Governor Youngkin's order includes gathering public input through listening sessions and defining 'cell phone free education' in detail. School divisions are required to adopt policies by January 1, with the Virginia Department of Education overseeing the regulatory process.
While executive orders on local education policy can face challenges in enforcement, the state aims to navigate this issue thoughtfully to ensure policies align with the best interests of all stakeholders.
