Virginia Issues Guidance on ‘Cellphone-Free’ K-12 Schools

Public schools across Virginia are a step closer to becoming cellphone-free after the state’s education department released new guidance for them to follow. The draft guidance, published Aug. 15, mandates that cellphones be turned off and stashed away from the first school bell until the bell rings for dismissal, including lunchtime and breaks between class periods. The restrictions apply to all electronic devices capable of making calls, transmitting pictures or video, or sending or receiving messages. This includes non-smartphones that are limited to the most basic functions. The guidance differs by grade level, with phone use completely banned throughout the school day in elementary schools. At the middle school level, school districts are given the flexibility to decide on appropriate use within the school building and on school grounds before or after the school day. High schoolers may be allowed to use their devices on campus outside of “bell-to-bell” school hours....