Virginia is set to restrict the use of cellphones in schools, joining a growing list of states that are banning or limiting use of the devices in schools, citing concerns about students who are spending too much time in front of screens.
Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin signed an executive order Tuesday to establish “cell phone-free” classrooms in all Virginia K-12 public schools.
Executive Order 33 requires the state Department of Education to team up with partners to set guidelines for restricting phones in K-12 school classrooms by the fall, which would then be implemented by Jan. 1, 2025.
The executive order highlighted mental health concerns among adolescents, including anxiety and depression, as a main factor behind the decision, stemming in part from teens’ significant use of popular social media platforms, which, according to an American Psychological Association report published in April, is an average of 4.8 hours per day. The order also said students who use phones during school days tend to learn less and earn lower grades.
Teens use phone in this undated stock photo.
STOCK PHOTO/Getty Images
The order suggested the use of pouches or dedicated cell phone “lockers” as potential ways students can store phones during school days. It also doesn’t completely ban cellphones and stipulates that the education department needs to address processes for parents to communicate with their children in times of emergencies and for everyday issues, such as forgotten items and pick-up times.
In a June op-ed, U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy called for warning labels on social media sites, similar to warning labels on tobacco products, in order to address “the defining public health challenge of our time.”
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Virginia’s executive order comes one month after the board of the Los Angeles Unified School District, the nation’s second-largest school district, passed a ban on cellphones on June 18, which will take effect by the spring semester of the 2024-2025 school year.
States like Florida, Indiana and Ohio have also passed similar laws, and several other states are considering doing the same with legislative proposals in the works.
Virginia is set to implement new restrictions on cellphone use for students in K-12 public schools, aiming to reduce distractions and promote a more focused learning environment. The new policy, which will go into effect at the start of the upcoming school year, will prohibit students from using their cellphones during instructional time unless given explicit permission by a teacher or school staff member.
The decision to implement these restrictions comes as a response to concerns about the negative impact of cellphone use on students’ academic performance and overall well-being. Studies have shown that excessive cellphone use can lead to decreased attention spans, lower academic achievement, and increased feelings of anxiety and depression among students. By limiting cellphone use during instructional time, Virginia hopes to create a more conducive learning environment where students can fully engage with their lessons and interact with their peers without distractions.
Under the new policy, students will be required to keep their cellphones turned off and out of sight during class time. They will only be allowed to use their phones during designated break times, such as lunch or recess, or in cases of emergency. Teachers and school staff will have the authority to confiscate any cellphones that are being used in violation of the policy, with consequences ranging from a warning to detention or even suspension for repeat offenders.
While some students may initially resist the new restrictions, educators and policymakers believe that the benefits of limiting cellphone use in schools will outweigh any potential drawbacks. By reducing distractions and promoting a more focused learning environment, Virginia hopes to improve academic performance and overall student well-being in K-12 public schools.
In addition to the restrictions on cellphone use during instructional time, Virginia is also exploring ways to educate students about responsible cellphone use and digital citizenship. By teaching students how to use their cellphones in a safe and respectful manner, educators hope to empower them to make informed decisions about their technology use both inside and outside of the classroom.
Overall, the implementation of restrictions on cellphone use for students in K-12 public schools in Virginia represents a proactive step towards creating a more focused and productive learning environment. By setting clear guidelines and expectations for cellphone use, educators hope to help students develop the skills they need to succeed academically and thrive in an increasingly digital world.
