Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin released an executive order for establishing state guidance and school policies that could restrict cell phones by January 2025.
The state joined Florida, Indiana, and Ohio, which have previously passed their laws, to limit phone usage in schools.
Virginia Relates Gadget Exposure With Lowered School Performance
Youngkin's order cited several studies, proving that "students who use their phones during class learn less and achieve lower grades." He also mentioned the increasing mental health risk among teens due to social media exposure.
In Virginia, several school districts have started to limit phone use during school hours. Loudoun County Public Schools passed a policy prohibiting cell phones for elementary students during the school day.
Middle school students are allowed to use phones before and after school hours. They are also required to leave their phones in lockers during class hours.
High school students can bring their phones to the classroom cubby but the device must be in silent mode during classes.
Virginia School District Supports Phone Restriction
The National Center for Education Statistics shared that 76% of public schools are already implementing a policy that bans "non-academic cell phone use" from 2021 to 2022.
Youngkin has received the full support of the superintendent of public schools in Virginia. Some schools reported an increased student engagement in class and interaction among peers after initiating a cellphone ban on some of their students.
Regardless, the Virginia Education Association (VEA) is expecting the state to approach the regulation with a "nuanced perspective."
James Fedderman, president of the VEA, stated that their priority is to ensure that the policies will be practical and are based on the interests of educators, students, and families.
The Virginia Department of Education announced that the order will undergo an official regulatory process as it aims to be enacted by 2025.
