Virginia Department of Education releases cell phone-free policy

Richmond, Va. (Newsradiowrva.com) - The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) has unveiled its final policy on implementing cell phone-free school days across the state.

In response to Governor Glenn Youngkin’s Executive Order on Cell Phone-Free Education, VDOE on Tuesday released new guidance that it says will ensure that K-12 students in the Commonwealth have a “distraction-free environment to focus on learning.”

The final policy continues to define Cell Phone-Free Education in public schools as “bell-to-bell,” meaning phones should be turned off and stored away from the first bell at the start of the school day to begin instructional time until the dismissal bell rings at the end of the day. This includes lunch and time between classes.

“We are so thankful for the collaborative input from families, educators, and students on such a critical challenge for our young people,” said Superintendent of Public Instruction Lisa Coons. “Virginians helped us shape the final guidance and our implementation supports. We look forward to continuing to work with families and educators as we help ensure that every student can have a Cell Phone-Free Education."