Virginia Releases Final Guidance for Cellphone-Free Education in K-12 Schools

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The Virginia Department of Education has released final guidance for implementing a cellphone-free education policy in K-12 public schools. The policy, established following an executive order by Governor Glenn Youngkin, seeks to provide a distraction-free learning environment while addressing concerns related to student mental health and other issues.

The guidance introduces a "bell-to-bell" policy, which requires students to have their cellphones turned off and stored from the start of the school day until dismissal. This applies to all parts of the school day, including lunch and passing periods. The guidance was shaped by input from nearly 6,000 public comments, as well as feedback from students, parents, teachers, and school leaders.

The policy aims to help teachers focus on instruction, encourage students to complete their own work, and improve in-person communication skills. Students with specific medical needs will be allowed exemptions, which can be addressed through their Individualized Education Plans or health care plans.

The Department of Education will release an Administrator's Toolkit to assist schools with the implementation, with the expectation that the new policies will be in place by January 1. School divisions will be allowed to adopt even stricter policies if necessary.