The Virginia Beach School Board is holding its first meeting since updating the student cell phone policy, and some parents are sharing concerns.
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — The Virginia Beach School Board is holding its first meeting since voting to update its student cell phone policy in accordance with new state law. The policy restricts students’ cell phone use for the entire school day.
Governor Glenn Youngkin’s “Bell to Bell” law — aimed at creating a “cell phone-free education” — went into effect on July 1, prohibiting students from using their phones during school hours. To comply with the mandate, the school board adopted changes to its policy back in June.
Parents are sharing their concerns as the new school year approaches.
“I’m in agreement that they shouldn’t have phones out during instructional time, but the free time for high schoolers, they should be able to text. I need that access as a parent, and for me it’s like, they took away that access, and I don’t like that,” said Tangela Green, a Virginia Beach parent.
School board members say the policy is meant to reduce distractions and improve focus in the classroom.
“Well, the goal of this cell phone policy is to ensure that students aren’t being distracted by their devices. That has been a problem in many schools across the city, so hopefully this will help quell that,” said Melinda Rogers, the Virginia Beach School Board member for District 5.
Still, some parents worry that the new law could limit their ability to reach their children during emergencies. Last year, multiple schools across Hampton Roads were placed on lockdown due to threats and weapons found on campus.
“If the school goes on lockdown, my son knows, and I know I’m not the only parent, but I need that phone call. I need that message that says ‘Mommy, I’m OK,’” Green said.
“Just hearing their voice is very, very comforting, and them hearing your voice is also very comforting,” added Virginia Beach parent Herman Valentine Jr.
Rogers responded to those concerns, emphasizing that students will still have access to their phones in emergency situations.
“I know that many parents that I have spoken to have the same concern, and their child will be able to have their device available in their book bags in the event of an emergency,” Rogers said.
The school board meeting will also address how changes in federal and state funding could impact the upcoming school year.
