Virginia school boards respond to Gov Youngkin's executive order on cellphone use during classes

Virginia school boards are issuing cellphone free mandates in their local communities, after Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin ordered schools to draft plans for cell phone-free education in K-12 public schools. 

Youngkin issued the order on July 9 in an effort to curb the use of cellular and electronic devices during the regular school day. Most districts have a ban on cellphone use during the school day for students K-8, except for medical reasons, but allow high school students to use their phones and devices outside of class time. 

Some school districts allow middle school students to use their phones on the school bus, and after school, but require the devices to be stored away during the regular school day, according to a list compiled by the outlet WSLS-10.

In Bedford County, high school students are permitted to use cellphones in class if deemed appropriate for a certain lesson, and at the discretion of the teacher, per the district's guidelines. Otherwise high school students may only use their devices before the start of the school day, between classes, during lunch, and after school.

Middle and high school students in Carroll County are allowed to use their devices outside of class time, including during lunches, but must hand their devices to the school teachers at the start of the lesson. The devices are locked in a secured area, and returned at the end of the class session.

“The policy has worked out well for us and has led to more student interaction during class and reduced incidents of online bullying,” Superintendent Mark Burnette told the outlet.

Grayson County allows their students to use devices outside of classroom instruction, but does not specify any rules based on the age of the students. School-issued devices are allowed and used when relevant to a certain lesson.

In Lynchburg City, the school board recently updated its cellphone policies for the 2024-25 school year, which only allows high school students to use their personal devices during lunch. Previously, it allowed students to use phones outside of classes.

Most of the schools said they believe their policies will be in line with the state's guidance, which will be issued in September. But they said they will make any changes to their policies as needed.

The changes outlined by the upcoming guidance will need to be made by Jan. 1, 2025.

Misty Severi is an evening news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.