Research is clear that cell phones cause students to be distracted and lose out on important class time. These guidelines support a positive and safe learning environment so that students can focus on their academics. To eliminate these distractions, it is important that all students consistently follow the guidelines.

Additionally, all school divisions in Virginia are legally required to restrict student cell phone and smart device use throughout the school day. Governor Glenn Youngkin’s Executive Order 33 directs Virginia school divisions to establish “cell phone-free education policies and procedures.” In 2025, the General Assembly passed House Bill 1961 and Senate Bill 738, which Governor Youngkin signed into law. Code of Virginia § 22.1-79.3 requires school divisions by law to develop and implement "age-appropriate and developmentally appropriate policies" that "restrict student cell phone and smart device possession and use on school property from bell to bell," meaning from the start of instructional time after the first bell until the dismissal bell at the end of the school day. This includes lunch and time between classes.

The following guidelines apply to students in all grades:

• Personal devices, including cell phones, wireless earbuds, and smart devices, must be silenced and stored during the entirety of the instructional day (from the time school begins to the time school ends).
• Dual-purpose smartwatches are allowed but must have wireless features turned off (i.e. airplane mode) during class.
• Dual-purpose glasses and technology-enhanced headwear/gear must be stored in a safe place during the entirety of the instructional day.
• Students may use devices on school buses if they do not disrupt safety or violate existing RCPS policies and procedures.
• Exceptions: Students with Section 504 plans, IEPs, or health/safety plans that require device access.

Examples of personal devices covered by these guidelines include (but are not limited to):

• Cell phones
• Smart watches (may be used as a watch if wireless features are turned off)
• AirPods
• iPads/tablets
• Smart glasses
• Other electronic devices with internet capability

The cell phone and wireless device policy intends to support students in their academic success by removing a major distraction. Research shows that it can take up to 10 minutes for the brain to reengage after responding to cell phone distractions. Additionally, removing cell phones from the classroom encourages students to engage in real-time social interactions and promotes safety. Cell phones have been used by students during the school day to plan fights and bully peers. 

Gov. Glenn Youngkin signed Executive Order 33 in July 2024, which requires School Boards in Virginia to establish local cell phone-free education policies and procedures. Executive Order 33 is focused on “eliminating cell phone use during instructional time and addressing the mental health issues arising from children's social media and cell phone addiction.” In 2025, the General Assembly passed House Bill 1961 and Senate Bill 738, which Governor Youngkin signed into law. Code of Virginia § 22.1-79.3:1 requires school divisions by law to develop and implement "age-appropriate and developmentally appropriate policies" that "restrict student cell phone and smart device possession and use on school property from bell to bell," meaning from the start of instructional time after the first bell until the dismissal bell at the end of the school day. This includes lunch and time between classes.

These guidelines are based on existing School Board policies. Throughout the 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 school years, a Cell Phone Work Group made up of students, parents/guardians, teachers, administrators, and Central Office leaders met to review and refine the updated guidelines found on this webpage. Additionally, members of the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council also provided feedback. The cell phone work group will continue to meet in the 2025-2026 school year.

The updated guidelines are effective June 2025, to include summer programming, and will continue during the 2025-2026 school year. Already, in the 2024-2025 school year, students in grades PK-8 were required to have their cell phones and other wireless devices off and away during the school day. The updated guidance expands this to the high school level. 

All students and families will receive a copy of the cell phone and wireless communication devices guidelines at the start of the school year through the Parent Handbook Calendar and Student Code of Conduct. Information wll also be shared through social media and this webpage. Failure to read the guidelines does not exempt a student from the responsibility to follow these guidelines.

Additionally, if a student violates the guidelines, parents/guardians will receive an email with additional information.

Yes, devices may be used on school buses if they do not disrupt safety or violate RCPS policies and procedures.

Exceptions to these guidelines may be granted as disability accommodations through Section 504 plans or IEPs when necessary to ensure student access to school and school-sponsored activities. Exceptions may also be granted as part of a student’s health or safety plan. If you have questions about accommodations, please contact your school, the Special Education Department, or Student Health.

Students who need to contact family during the school day can visit their school’s office to make a call. Likewise, families who need to contact their students during the school day should contact the school’s main office, who can assist with facilitating communication.

In the case of a school-wide emergency, staff will give students guidance on using personal devices. 

RCPS is committed to providing timely information and will communicate with families in the case of an emergency. During an emergency, RCPS will provide information through the RCPS website, calls and text messages, social media, and local news media. Visit our Safety & Security page for more information about how we communicate during an emergency.

Students who disrupt the school’s educational environment by using wireless communication devices inappropriately (e.g. cheating, bullying, harassment, unlawful recording, violating behavior expectations) may be subject to disciplinary actions.

The following actions will be taken if a student violates RCPS’ cell phone guidelines. Failure to adhere to the terms of the cell phone guidelines will result in the following progressive discipline:

• First Offense: The student will surrender the device to a classroom teacher (or other staff member). If the device is taken by a classroom teacher, the device will be returned to the student at the end of the class period. The office staff member (or designated staff member) will document the incident in Synergy and contact the parent/guardian.
• Second Offense: The student will surrender the device, which will be secured in the main office, and receive a disciplinary referral. The student must complete a Cell Phone Canvas Module during a designated period. The parent/guardian must pick up the device from the school and sign an acknowledgment form.
• Third Offense: The student will be required to surrender their wireless communication device, which will be securely stored in the main office. A referral will be submitted to document the violation of the cell phone guidelines. A parent or guardian must retrieve the device in person. At that time, both the parent/guardian and the student will be required to sign a Cell Phone Acknowledgment Form to confirm their understanding of/agreement with the guidelines.

Any additional disciplinary infraction that a student commits if they do not follow attempt to enforce the cell phone guidelines shall result in disciplinary consequences determined by the Student Code of Conduct.

All schools and programs will follow the same expectations and progressive discipline process for violations of the guidelines. Principals and staff will be trained to ensure consistency and fairness in enforcement. School staff will also model appropriate technology use. 

Yes. Students will continue to use their school-issued iPads or laptops for educational purposes during the school day. Personal devices should not be used in place of RCPS-provided technology.

All students in grades PK-12 must follow these guidelines. It is each student’s responsibility to follow the guidelines and ensure the security of their wireless communication devices. Classes and instruction will not be interrupted to search for lost devices.

On July 9, 2024, Governor Glenn Youngkin signed Executive Order 33, which requires Virginia school divisions to establish local cell phone-free education policies and procedures by January 1, 2025. Executive Order 33 is focused on “eliminating cell phone use during instructional time and addressing the mental health issues arising from children's social media and cell phone addiction.” 

In 2025, the General Assembly passed House Bill 1961 and Senate Bill 738, which Governor Youngkin signed into law. Code of Virginia § 22.1-79.3:1 requires school divisions by law to adopt and implement "age-appropriate and developmentally appropriate policies" that "restrict student cell phone and smart device possession and use on school property from bell to bell," meaning from the start of instructional time after the first bell until the dismissal bell at the end of the school day. This includes lunch and time between classes.

RCPS’ guidelines were originally developed in advance of the executive order and updated in June 2025 to extend the “off and away” guidelines to high school students.

RCPS is not responsible for any personal wireless communication devices, including cell phones or other electronic devices, that are lost, stolen, or damaged while in the possession of the student or during the period of confiscation due to a policy violation.

Students and families are encouraged to take the necessary precautions to protect personal devices brought to school.

• In the United States, 95% of teens (children ages 13 to 17) have access to smart cell phones.
• Students, on average, receive 192 alerts per day from their cell phones, about 11 notifications per waking hour, one every five minutes. Cell phones and their applications are designed to catch the attention of students, which is disruptive to both learning and relationships.
• Children spend an average of 4.8 hours a day on social media, and recent studies indicate that spending more than three hours a day on social media doubles the risk of poor mental health for adolescents.
• Even when students don’t check their cell phones, the presence of a phone impacts their ability to think.  
• Increased cell phone use has been linked to higher rates of depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues among children, as well as sleep deprivation.
• From 2019-2021, the rate of suicide has increased 167% since 2010 for girls and 91% since 2010 for boys.
• In the same timeframe, boys and girls experienced a spike in depression of 161% and 145%, respectively.
• About 72% of high school teachers across the U.S. say that students being distracted by cellphones is a major problem in their classroom.
• 75% of individuals (students, teachers, parents/guardians) who took RCPS’ cell phone survey in February 2024 said they believe cell phones are a distraction.
• Schools that have successfully implemented cell phone policies report that students are talking, interacting, laughing, and enjoying themselves. Research demonstrates these policies reduce bullying frequency, especially among students ages 13-16. They similarly have positive and significant impacts on standardized test scores.