Albemarle County, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – Albemarle County, the largest jurisdiction in the area, kicked off its school year with over 14,000 students returning to the classroom. Chief Education Consultant, Lee Elberson, highlighted key concerns and solutions, emphasizing the impact of smartphones on education. 

Elberson discussed the challenges teachers face with students’ phone use, stating, “Teachers understand phones are preventing them… from being successful in their jobs.” He advocated for stricter phone policies, comparing schools to courtrooms where phones are often collected upon entry. “It’s an addiction… The best way to do it is for it not to even be in the room with you.” 

Elberson also provided back-to-school tips for parents, stressing the importance of limiting screen time, preparing for standardized tests, and encouraging intellectual curiosity at home. “Setting screen time boundaries makes perfect sense… So that way you can get ready for bed or screen-free zones,” he advised. 

As the school year begins, these measures aim to create a more focused and productive educational environment for students in Albemarle County. 

Listen to the full conversation here: