Governor Youngkin’s Executive Order 33 to ban all cell phones in schools across Virginia took effect on Jan. 1, 2025. However, about a month into the new supposed cell phone ban, there has been little to no difference in phone use at West Po. The school policy states no cell phones are allowed in class, but in many cases students can still be seen texting friends, playing games, and scrolling on social media.
Despite the Governor’s order, Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) has not yet changed its county-wide cell phone policy.
“An executive order is something that is not a statutory law, by definition…but it has the force of law,” explained David McQuilkin, retired professor of history and political science at Bridgewater College, in an interview with WHSV3.
School board member Mr. Mateo Dunne described the executive order simply as a “strong recommendation,” meaning that the specifics of a new cell phone policy and any potential phone ban are left up to FCPS to determine and enforce.
Many teachers believe a ban would help students learn. “Cell phones have a negative effect on instruction. There is no recourse but their exclusion,” Mr. Jeffrey States, English teacher, said.
Last spring, the school board voted for Superintendent Reid to “develop and implement” a plan for a new cell phone policy. This policy will be developed by testing pilot programs that could include “the potential use of classroom cell phone lockers, magnetic pouches, or other similar devices,” according to school board follow-on motion #1
FCPS and Superintendent Reid have been praised for these pilot programs, which followed a similar model to the executive order. Many of the pilot programs in place utilize Yondr, a magnetic cell phone storage pouch designed to prevent students from accessing their phones in class. West Po is not a pilot school in this program.
At pilot schools, students lock their phones away in the pouches, along with any other electronic devices. The pouches are placed in their backpacks and can not be removed until the day is done. As effective as these Yondr pouches seem, the issue lies in their price. Pouches can cost anywhere from $25 to $30 per student — which would add up to between $66,275 to $79,350 at West Po.
On Jan. 21, all FCPS staff, parents, and students received email invitations to participate in a survey about the phone policy among other issues. This survey will remain available until Feb. 3. Despite FCPS not yet receiving the results from both the survey and pilot programs, Mr. Dunne believes that “it is inevitable that schools will begin to enact stricter regulations regarding phone use.”
But many students believe that a phone ban would negatively affect the school. Sophomore, Norah Kelly, said, “I don’t want there to be a phone ban or more cell phone restrictions because how would I text my family during an emergency?”
Despite these concerns, students should remain prepared for potential significant policy changes in the near future. The model program will be presented to the school board on March 1, 2025.
