Youngkin pushes for optional cell phone ban in Va. schools

RICHMOND, Va. (WWBT) — Gov. Glenn Youngkin issued an Executive Order on Tuesday addressing cell phone use in Virginia schools.

The governor’s office says Executive Order 33 would allow the Virginia Department of Education to establish a policy giving school divisions across the state the option to ban cell phones.

“This essential action will promote a healthier and more focused educational environment where every child is free to learn. Creating cell phone and social media-free educational environments in Virginia’s K-12 education system will benefit students, parents, and educators,” Youngkin said.

The VDOE is required to publish the first draft of its guidance policy by Aug. 15.

Youngkin’s office says the Executive Order “directs VDOE to initiate a robust public engagement effort with parents, students, teachers, local school leaders and other stakeholders to develop collaboratively policies and procedures that establish the age-appropriate restriction or elimination of cell phone use during instructional time, as well as to establish protocols allowing parents to contact their children in emergency and other important situations.”

VDOE will issue its final guidance in September for school divisions to adopt cell phone-free education policies and procedures by January 1, 2025.

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