In a matter of a few years, schools went from absolutely no cell phones to allowing students to use them openly. But now, in hopes of limiting classroom disruptions and improving student engagement and learning, seven select middle schools in Fairfax County, Virginia will ban students' access to cellphones during the school day.
Radio host Jeff Katz, who has "chatted about it on the air," says some parents want to have a direct line to their children at all times, but he thinks most parents and teachers support this policy.
"This comes as a result of Governor Youngkin (R) issuing a statewide directive through the Department of Education," he details. "It called on school divisions to come up with programs to have cellphone-free educational days."
Fairfax County is one of the first to implement a cellphone-free plan. It still permits students to have a device with them at school, but it must be in a Yondr pouch – a magnetic bag that prevents students from using their phones for social media, text messages, and phone calls.
Airpods must be secured in the pouch or placed in the students' backpacks, and smartwatches must be turned off or put on airplane mode. If a student forgets their pouch, they must store their cellphone in the front office for the school day, and it will be returned to the student after school.
In situations where there is a family emergency, parents may contact the school's front office.
Fox News notes that other school districts in Virginia and elsewhere, including California, New York, Texas, and Georgia, have also begun implementing policies restricting cellphone use during the school day, with many utilizing the Yondr pouches.
"It's still relatively early in trying to get this all rolled out across the commonwealth, and different divisions are trying different ideas," Katz adds.
