FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. ( DC News Now )—The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) unveiled its new cellphone-free policy after Governor Glenn Youngkin issued an executive order.
The policy will be “bell-to-bell” which means your child’s cell phone must be turned off and stored from the first bell at the start of school until the dismissal bell at the end of the school day.
This includes during lunch and break periods.
VDOE says its goal is to provide a distraction-free environment to allow kids to focus on learning and reduce the alarming mental health crisis from cell phones and social media.
Kilmer Middle School Parent Christina Mansilla knows all too well the impact of technology on kids.
“I think that he particularly my son, gets distracted with the phone, so I agree,” said Mansilla. “No phones during school time.”
The department received nearly 6,000 public comments and feedback during community engagements before releasing the policy.
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