By 12 On Your Side Digital Team

Published: August 9, 2024, 6:39 p.m. EDT|Updated: 2 hours ago

HENRICO, Va. (WWBT) – Henrico County Public Schools is cracking down on cell phone policies.

Starting this year, the department is implementing new guidelines.

“We know that cell phones and other devices can distract children from learning and class. And we believe that more engaged students give them the opportunity to learn at the highest level,” said Dr. Thomas Ferrell Jr., director of high school education at HCPS.

New this year: Each classroom will have bags or containers to safely store devices when they are not in students’ backpacks.

“It gives teachers the option. If teachers or administrators feel it is in their best interest to have all students keep their phones in their bags or containers, then they have that option as well,” Dr. Ferrell said.

Middle and high school students are already required to put away their cell phones and silence them during class. This new element is just another step toward device-free learning.

“We have so many learning opportunities for students in Henrico County and we just wanted them to focus more on what’s more important, which is learning in the classroom,” he said.

In July, Governor Glenn Youngkin signed an executive order allowing the Virginia Department of Education to set new cell phone policies. It also essentially gives school districts across the state the ability to ban cell phones. The Department of Education has until August 15 to submit its first draft of the new policies.

However, Dr. Ferrell said this new policy has been in the works for some time. He said the department is avoiding a complete ban because it wants to teach students self-control.

“We need to make sure that when children leave Henrico County Public Schools, they understand that there is an appropriate time and place to use a cell phone,” he said.

Middle and high school students are still allowed to use their cell phones during lunch breaks.

However, phones are taboo during lessons and during short breaks, such as when going to the toilet.

Elementary school students must leave their devices away all day.

The school stated that phones should only be seen or used at the discretion of a teacher for a specific classroom activity.

HCPS says the administration will work with families of students who need a personal device for medical monitoring or other individual reasons.

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