Youngkin signs Virginia law limiting student cellphone use in public schools

Republican Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin made waves on Friday by signing a bill into law that limits cellphone use for all public elementary, middle, and high school students in the state. This move aligns with Youngkin’s strong advocacy for parents’ rights in education and his commitment to creating a distraction-free learning environment for students.

The ceremonial signing took place at Carter G. Woodson Middle School in Hopewell, Virginia, where Youngkin emphasized the importance of coming together to address the negative impact of cellphones on students’ mental health, academic performance, and interpersonal relationships. Surrounded by his wife, education advocates, public school students, and local politicians, Youngkin highlighted the need for change and the pursuit of freedom from cellphones in educational settings.

The newly signed bill, known as HB1961 and SB738, strictly limits cellphone use in classrooms to reduce distractions and disruptions. This legislation builds upon Youngkin’s previous executive order aimed at protecting the health and safety of K-12 students by establishing cellphone-free education policies and procedures. By requiring school divisions to adopt a full bell-to-bell policy and remove cellphones from classrooms, the law aims to create a more focused and academically-driven learning environment.

Research has shown that cellphone use in the classroom can have detrimental effects on students’ grades, social skills, emotional development, and mental health. A 2024 Pew Research Center study revealed that over 70% of high school teachers consider cellphones to be a major source of distraction for students.

Hopewell City Public Schools served as a model for the Virginia Department of Education’s cellphone-free education rollout, implementing a successful “pouch system” in secondary schools at the beginning of the 2022-2023 school year. Youngkin commended the school district for its leadership and noted that their approach inspired his executive order last summer.

The statewide legislation requires school boards to develop and public schools to enact policies restricting student cellphone use during the school day. Exceptions are made for students with individualized education plans, Section 504 plans, or health conditions that require cellphone use for medical reasons. Additionally, the law prohibits schools from suspending, expelling, or removing students from class for violating cellphone policies.

With this new law in place, Virginia joins a growing number of states that have implemented regulations on cellphone use in schools. Youngkin’s commitment to prioritizing academic excellence and student well-being underscores his dedication to improving the educational experience for all students in the state.