RICHMOND, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – Governor Glenn Youngkin issued Executive Order 33 today (7/9/2024) directing the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) to draft guidance for public school divisions to establish cell phone-free education policies in K-12 public schools. The order mandates VDOE to engage with parents, students, teachers, local school leaders, and other stakeholders to develop policies restricting or eliminating cell phone use during instructional time. It also calls for protocols to allow parents to contact their children in emergencies.

Governor Youngkin announced that VDOE and the Department of Behavioral Health and Development Services (DBDHS) will allocate $500,000 from existing funds to support this initiative.

“Creating cell phone and social media-free educational environments in Virginia’s K-12 education system will benefit students, parents, and educators,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin.

The order highlights concerns about the impact of social media and cell phone use on youth mental health, citing data showing significant increases in suicide and depression rates among youth.

“The data is clear, and it is time for Virginians to come together to address the damage of social media and screens to healthy childhoods,” said Secretary of Education Aimee Guidera.

VDOE will publish draft guidance by August 15, with final guidance issued in September. Local school divisions are expected to adopt cell phone-free education policies by January 1, 2025. The Department of Education will facilitate listening sessions and other stakeholder engagement opportunities over the next six weeks to gather public input.