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Fairfax County high school students could soon lose access to their cellphones during passing periods and most of lunch under a stricter policy recommended by school staff.
The proposal would require phones to remain turned off and put away throughout the school day. Limited use would still be permitted during lunch in areas selected by each school’s principal.
The change would replace the existing Fairfax County Public Schools policy, which allows high school students to use phones between classes and at lunch.
Staff plan to present the proposal to the School Board on March 11. It remains unclear when—or whether—the board will vote on it.
Phones barred from hallways and lessons
Under the recommended rules, students could not use phones in hallways during passing periods or inside classrooms at any time. Teachers, who can currently incorporate phones into lessons, would no longer be allowed to use them as instructional tools.
Principals would designate lunch areas where phone use is allowed based on available space and the number of students. Phones would have to stay off and stored in all other lunch areas.
Students who violate the policy could have their phones confiscated, but they would not face serious penalties such as suspension or expulsion. Confiscated devices would be returned at the end of the school day.
Schools could use pouches, wall holders or bins to store phones. The Chief Equity Office recommended against requiring storage units, instead favoring enforcement of an “off and away” rule.
Administrators and teachers would oversee compliance at each school.
The proposal follows Virginia’s push for tighter school cellphone restrictions. Gov. Glenn Youngkin issued an executive order last summer directing the Virginia Department of Education to develop guidelines limiting phone use because of concerns about academic performance and mental health.
State guidance defines a “bell-to-bell” restriction as keeping phones turned off and stored from the first class through the final dismissal bell, including lunch and passing periods. School divisions had until Jan. 1, 2025, to comply, although districts retain some flexibility in how they enforce the rules.
The guidance says students should use school communication systems for nonemergency contact with parents. It also directs parents to contact schools, rather than students’ personal phones, during emergencies.
Pilot program drew mixed reactions
Fairfax County began testing tighter restrictions at selected middle and high schools last fall. Middle school students placed phones in magnetically sealed Yondr pouches, while high school students used classroom storage units during instructional periods.
The district has not publicly released the pilot program’s results.
Reaction has been mixed. Some students have expressed concern about losing access to their phones for personal communication or during emergencies. Others have supported the restrictions, saying reduced phone use could improve classroom focus.
Northern Virginia districts tighten policies
Other Northern Virginia school systems have also strengthened their cellphone rules in response to the state guidance.
Loudoun County Public Schools requires middle school students to silence phones and leave them in lockers. High school students must use designated classroom storage, although teachers may approve phones for instructional purposes. Elementary students cannot use personal technology during the school day.
Arlington Public Schools adopted a districtwide ban in December requiring students at every grade level to turn off and store phones for the full school day. High schools will provide designated places where students can access their devices at scheduled times. Exceptions are available for emergencies and approved accommodations.
Prince William County Public Schools approved a policy last summer prohibiting student phone use throughout the school day, including on field trips. Phones must remain off and stored, with exceptions for students with disabilities or other accommodations.