A statewide ban on cellphones in the classroom will take effect next year.
Gov. Glenn Youngkin on Tuesday issued an executive order directing the Virginia Department of Education to help school divisions implement “age-appropriate cellphone-free education” policies and procedures.
The ban is being billed as a mental health and safety initiative. The order calls on the VDOE to get input from the public over the next six weeks — through listening sessions and other community engagement — before publishing its guide. It also directs the department to gather information on best practices from divisions that have already implemented bans. Divisions have to adopt the policies by Jan. 1.
“This essential action will promote a healthier and more focused educational environment where every child is free to learn,” Youngkin said in a news release. “Creating cell phone and social media-free educational environments in Virginia’s K-12 education system will benefit students, parents, and educators.”
Citing data from the American Psychological Association, Executive Order 33 states that, on average, American teenagers spend close to five hours each day on social media. Studies show that spending more than three hours doubles the risk of poor mental health for adolescents.
An increasing number of school divisions nationwide have restricted phone use in class. Virginia Beach did two years ago with Chesapeake following suit last year. Richmond and Fairfax County have also moved toward more restrictions. Some principals have reported encouraging results.
The governor’s office also announced that $500,000 will be available to the VDOE and the Department of Behavioral Health and Development Services to allow the agencies to conduct community outreach and provide microgrants to divisions that need help with new policies.
“Too many childhoods have ended because of the wild west of addictive apps, and it is time we work together to bring childhood back,” said Janet Kelly, secretary of Health and Human Resources, in the news release.
There was early pushback from parents in some divisions, particularly because of concerns regarding how they could contact their children. But principals at some Hampton Roads schools have said feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.
Studies show that cellphone use also impacts academic achievement.
The order stated, “the issue extends beyond mere distraction; substantial phone and social media use can have a cumulative, lasting and detrimental impact on adolescents’ ability to focus and engage in their studies.”
Nour Habib, nour.habib@virginiamedia.com
