Schools across the country are grappling with how to restrict cell phone use during school hours, with teachers often citing issues about distractions and mental health concerns.
In Virginia, the Department of Education is recommending that school districts ban cell phone use on school grounds from “bell to bell.” The directive was recently released in draft form, about a month after Republican Governor Glenn Younkin issued an executive order directing the education department to develop guidelines for “phone free learning environments,” according to The Washington Post.
In Fairfax County, the state’s largest school district, the current policy allows high school students to use cell phones in between classes and during lunch, reports The Washington Post. However, Fairfax is rolling out a pilot program in seven middle schools and eight high schools to lock cell phones away. Participating middle schools will use magnetic pouches to lock phones for the duration of the school day, and high schools will have students place phones into storage units at the beginning of each class.
The state’s education department said it compiled the guidelines after listening sessions were held around the state this summer. The draft guidance will be available for feedback through September 15, before it is finalized. School divisions then would review and possibly revise their policies to align with the guidance.
By Leslie Stimson, Inside Towers Washington Bureau Chief
Reader Interactions