Effective July 1, 2025, the Virginia General Assembly enacted legislation (HB 1882 / SB 1205) requiring all Virginia public schools to implement cell phone-free education policies for K-12 students.
Under this law, school divisions must adopt policies that:
- Prohibit student use of personal mobile devices — including cell phones and smart watches — during the instructional day, from the first bell to the last bell
- Require devices to be silenced or powered off and stored out of sight in a secure location during instructional time
- Include reasonable exceptions for students with documented medical needs, students with disabilities whose IEP or 504 Plan requires device access, and emergency situations
The law reflects the growing body of evidence linking unrestricted cell phone and social media use to increased rates of depression, anxiety, and other mental health concerns among adolescents. Virginia joins a national movement toward phone-free learning environments to support student focus, well-being, and academic achievement.
Alexandria City Public Schools permits any student, pursuant to an Individualized Education Plan, Section 504 Plan, individualized health care plan, diabetes medical management plan, or Limited English Proficiency plan, to possess and use a cell phone or smart device on school property, including in the classroom, from bell to bell to monitor or address a health concern or as an accommodation or assistive technology support.
For more information on ACHS's implementation of this requirement, see Policy JFCM (Student Use of Personal Mobile Devices).