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Chris Quilpa 

A topic that has become widely discussed is the use, restrictions, or banning of cell phones during in classrooms. 

We know that cell phones can be tools for safety, connection and learning when used properly and responsibly. However, considering that banning cell phones can lead to increased focus, reduced bullying, and better social interaction, it can also limit creativity, innovation, “accelerated” and “intuitive” learning, access to valuable learning tools and hinder communication during emergencies, claim advocates of cell phone use. The pros and cons of cell phone use or banning in schools have to be thoroughly discussed and taken into consideration.

Let’s discuss cell phone-free education in Virginia K-12 public schools. Gov. Glenn Youngkin issued Executive Order 33 to help implement this policy.

Parents, students, teachers, public school administrators, school board members and all Virginians were encouraged to submit feedback on the draft guidance by Sept. 15, 2024, according to the Virginia Department of Education. Visit their website at www:doe.virginia.gov.

After considering Virginians’ feedback on the draft guidance, VDOE will issue final guidance on Sept. 16. School divisions will adopt policies and procedures by Jan. 1, 2025. They’re also encouraged to review their current policies and adopt age-appropriate policies and procedures aligned with the guidance ahead of this date or policies that are more comprehensive than the final guidance.

Linked to cell phone use, research shows there are rising issues with mental health, increasing lack of social skills and being unable to communicate in person, the inability to concentrate and focus for any period of time, and the growing retreat into the virtual world. 

Research also indicates teens self-report that they spend an average of seven (7) hours per day on their phones-nearly 50 hours each week, more than a full-time job. That’s only possible because our children carry their cell phones in their pockets all day long. Recent studies show spending more than three hours a day on social media doubles the risk of poor mental health for adolescents. The rate of suicide has increased 167% since 2010 for girls and 91% since 2010 for boys. From 2019 to 2021, boys and girls experienced a spike in depression of 161% and 145%, respectively.

VDOE states it’s not just the research and statistics that show the overwhelming need to take action to reverse these trends. “It’s the real-life experience that parents, teachers, family members, and even the children themselves recognize in young people’s behaviors. Cell phones and social media are changing their children’s development for the worse, and our communities are ready to support our children to help put the phones away.”

Addressing medical needs and emergency situations, the Virginia Department of Education draft guidance recognizes students with medical needs may have an exemption. It also recognizes the importance of emergency communication to parents. Thus, it requires school divisions to build plans to communicate directly with parents and to treat family emergencies with urgency, ensuring students have the information and support needed. Each school should share their family-based emergency school plan procedures with parents and students, as well as post them on their website.