US Edition‘It was so freeing’: How a cellphone ban is changing life at a Virginia high school
- Wakefield High School in Arlington, Virginia, launched a pilot program in September 2024 requiring students to lock phones in pouches.
- Governor Glenn Youngkin issued an executive order in July for districts to move towards phone-free education in 2025.
- Students initially resisted, but many now feel more focused; one stated interpersonal violence is at a record low.
- Proponents say restrictions reduce distractions; Cabana believes achievement will follow, but data is still needed to confirm.
- While some, like Cardet-Hernandez, believe banning phones ignores digital literacy, others cite excessive phone use and mental health.
15 Articles
15 Articles
‘It was so freeing’: How a cellphone ban is changing life at a Virginia high school
Wakefield High School is part of a pilot program requiring students to put their phones inside magnetic locking pouches every morning. Students – and teachers – are happy with the results so far.
Tribune editorial: Cellphone ban during school a good policy
Gov. Kelly Armstrong and Lt. Gov. Michelle Strinden came out strongly last week for amendments that would take away cellphones while students are in school. They make a strong case for the policy, though there are some potential drawbacks.
Students aren’t using pouches, but not using phones in class, either
Students aren’t using the Yondr cell phone pouches — but cell phone use in schools is down. Several students who took part in a town hall meeting, put together by school board member Dr. Marcus Scott, said they and their fellow students don’t use the pouches the school system purchased to keep cell phones out of students’ hands during the school day.
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