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During its December meeting, SPS School Board passed a new cell phone policy in accordance with Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s executive order. The policy went into effect Jan. 1, with students returning to school after winter break on Jan. 6.

In a YouTube video, Superintendent Dr. John B. Gordon III explained what “bell-to-bell cell phone-free education” will look like in more detail. He said as soon as students walk through the school metal detectors, they are expected to shut off their phones and put them away so they can’t visibly be seen — in a locker, backpack, or pocket. 

In addition to cell phones, the policy includes any devices that can be used for communication or to access apps.

“We are going to trust our students to make sure they make the right choice and put their cell phones away,” he said in the video. 

Gordon also explained that there will be exceptions for students who need to access their device for medical reasons, and a form will need to be filled out by a parent and physician that will be kept on file.

For parents who want to contact their children during the school day, Gordon said to call the school’s main office and they will do what they can to get the message to the student as quickly as possible. 

Regarding worries about students using their phones in the hallways and in the bathrooms, Gordon said they have safety, security, and support monitors who are routinely walking the hallways and checking the bathrooms. 

Gordon said last year there were 64 total cell phone violations across the school division. Of those 64, 42 violations happened at the high school level. Because cell phones haven’t been a major issue in classrooms, Gordon said it was important not to be overly dramatic and punitive when making the new policy.

The levels of consequences reflect that, with the first offense resulting in a conference with the student. Then, depending on the student and their behavior, parent conferences and referrals may follow. Gordon added that teachers are encouraged to use a referral or suspension as a last resort. 

“We want to be proactive to make sure that people understand, hey, this isn’t going to be a punitive measure,” he said. “We just want your kids to be actively engaged in the classroom, and it’s going to eliminate the distractions.” 

School Board Chair Heather Howell said in a statement that Gordon gave “considerable effort and attention” when making the regulations to “maximize instructional time and reduce distractions while being cognizant not to put a burden on our teachers but rather partner with parents in improving the quality of the educational experience.”

Other Virginia school systems have chosen to implement changes in different ways. In Virginia Beach, students are allowed to use cell phones during lunch, and in Fredericksburg, teachers are using the locked pouches. 

He decided against allowing students to use their phones at lunch because Executive Order 33 does specify that it’s “bell-to-bell,” he said. Gordon also said that the high schools have five different lunch periods, so there would be no way to prevent the students at lunch from communicating with students who are still in the classrooms. 

Gordon said he did consider all these options when creating his regulations, but he ultimately decided it was best for everyone to put the responsibility and trust on students to turn their cell phones off and put them away.

“If we really are serious about teaching our kids to be strong, digital citizens, positive citizens in society, why can’t we just say, turn it off and put it away,” Gordon said. 

He also emphasized that he expects teachers to follow the regulations as well because it’s important they model that behavior for their students. Teachers will be able to use their phones during planning time and for things like Class Dojo.

Besides the outcome of fewer class distractions, Gordon said he and his staff hope the new policy will also reduce cyberbullying and suspensions that come from students recording physical altercations on their phones.

Gordon said he is willing to make any changes to the new regulations once the second semester starts if necessary.

Howell also reminded people in her statement that the policy will go back to the Policy Review Committee “to add substance and intentionality to the wording of the policy that we are directly responsible for.”

“I don’t want people to automatically think that getting rid of cell phones is going to automatically improve SOL scores, but I do believe it’s going to improve active engagement,” he said. “I do believe it’s going to decrease cyber bullying, and I think it’s also going to increase students being able to socially gather and have conversations.”