Fairfax County school leaders have approved a new policy regarding student cellphone use, adopting a compromise after months of deliberation.
In a 9–3 vote on Thursday, May 9, 2025, the School Board agreed to allow students limited access to their phones during the school day, specifically before and after classes and during lunch.
The move comes amid a broader push across Virginia for stricter cellphone regulations in schools, driven by growing concerns about student learning, attention span, and mental health.
Balancing Digital Responsibility with Classroom Focus
The revised policy reflects an effort to balance teaching students how to manage technology responsibly and reducing distractions in academic environments.
Under the new rules, cellphone use remains prohibited during instructional time, but students may use their devices outside those periods.
Mason District board member Ricardy Anderson supported the decision, calling it essential for students to “appropriately navigate the use of technology,” especially as many hold part-time jobs or need to contact family during the day.
“This isn’t about convenience—it’s about preparing students for real-world expectations,” she said.
Other members, however, pushed for stricter limits.
Melanie Meren of the Hunter Mill District advocated for a total ban during the school day, aligning with state guidance.
She expressed concern that phones are addictive and potentially undermining student safety. Mount Vernon’s Mateo Dunne also opposed allowing phone use at lunch, arguing that the time should foster social interaction rather than screen time.
State-Level Pressure and Local Autonomy
This local debate has unfolded alongside statewide developments. In July 2024, Governor Glenn Youngkin issued an executive order directing the Virginia Department of Education to craft cellphone guidelines to curb the devices’ negative influence on academic performance and mental well-being.
The resulting guidance recommended that schools require phones to be kept in pouches or otherwise secured during the day, with a compliance deadline of January 1, 2025.
In response, Fairfax County launched a pilot program during the 2024–2025 school year in selected middle and high schools. These schools required students to place their phones in magnetically locked pouches or secured classroom areas during lessons.
According to recent data presented at a work session, the program led to a slight decrease in policy violations. Between August 19 and September 30, pilot high schools logged 1,170 violations, compared to 1,587 in schools without the policy.
For middle schools from October 1 to January 31, the pilot group recorded 433 violations, while non-participating schools saw 809.
Although state officials have urged stricter enforcement, Fairfax County school attorney John Foster noted that current laws grant districts some discretion in how they implement cellphone restrictions. The recently approved policy appears to take full advantage of that flexibility.
Parental Acknowledgment and Broader Policy Context
In conjunction with the usage policy, the board also addressed accountability for personal devices.
A new directive requires Superintendent Dr. Michelle C. Reid to establish a process whereby parents and students formally acknowledge that Fairfax County Public Schools is not responsible for the loss, damage, or security of personal electronics such as phones and smartwatches brought to school. This mirrors existing procedures for other personal technology items.
Board members also highlighted the need for more reliable communication tools for students to contact parents during the day, especially given current issues with the student email system.
The vote on cellphone rules took place as the board grappled with broader budget concerns. Superintendent Reid recently presented a fiscal plan that includes a 6% raise for teachers.
To offset costs, the proposal involves eliminating around 275 staff positions—an adjustment made necessary after the county Board of Supervisors allocated $150 million less than expected.
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