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Virginia students will be barred from using cell phones throughout the entire school day—including lunch and breaks between classes—under a new law taking effect July 1.
Gov. Abigail Spanberger signed the measure from state Sen. Stella Pekarsky, a Fairfax County Democrat representing District 36. The law requires K-12 schools to prohibit student use of cell phones and other smart devices from bell to bell.
Students may still possess their phones, and school divisions cannot suspend or expel them solely for violating the restrictions.
Virginia began requiring bell-to-bell phone policies after then-Gov. Glenn Youngkin issued an executive order in July 2024. School boards were directed to adopt policies for enforcement by the beginning of 2025.
Lawmakers codified those restrictions during the 2025 General Assembly session through legislation led by Pekarsky and Del. Sam Rasoul. Pekarsky said the latest measure was needed because some school systems interpreted the earlier law as permitting phone use during lunch or other breaks.
“Some school districts interpreted last year’s law as allowing leniency during breaks or lunch, so we just updated the code to ensure the prohibition of cell phone usage during the school day is very clear,” Pekarsky said. “It does not prohibit possession of a cell phone.”
The distinction directly affects Fairfax County Public Schools. During the current school year, FCPS has allowed high school students to use phones at lunch, while elementary and middle school students must keep their devices put away all day.
FCPS began testing tighter restrictions during the 2024-2025 school year. Under a pilot program, students at participating schools placed their devices in secured lockers or pouches during class. Complaints about inconsistent enforcement continued after the broader policy took effect.
An FCPS spokesperson said the division is examining whether it must revise its rules.
“FCPS is reviewing the new legislation signed by the Governor this week for potential impacts on our current cell phone policy,” the spokesperson said. “We regularly review our Student Rights & Responsibilities to ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.”
Pekarsky previously represented the Sully District on the Fairfax County School Board. She joined the General Assembly after defeating longtime Sen. George Barker in 2023 and has since disagreed with the current board over its interpretation of the 2025 phone restrictions.
The new law maintains exemptions for students who use mobile devices for assistive support or health monitoring because of health needs, Individualized Education Programs or limited English proficiency plans.