LYNCHBURG, Va, – Lynchburg City Schools has announced its updated cell phone policy, slated to go into effect when students return from winter break on Jan. 6.
This comes after Gov. Glenn Youngkin issued an executive order, directing the Virginia Department of Education to establish guidance on removing cell phones from classrooms throughout the Commonwealth. VDOE unveiled its final guidance back in September.
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According to school leaders, Lynchburg’s new policy will prohibit all personal electronic devices during the bell-to-bell school day for all K-12 students. A “Bell-to-Bell” school day is defined as the period from when the first bell rings to when the dismissal bell rings at the end of the school day. This includes lunch and time between classes. The change was approved during a recent Lynchburg City School Board meeting.
At all grade levels, devices must be off (not just silenced) and away from the moment the first bell rings until the final dismissal bell. Devices include cell phones, smartwatches, earbuds, tablets, non-school-approved computers, video game consoles, and more. Students are not permitted to have devices in their pockets. Instead, they must keep them in lockers or backpacks”.
Lynchburg City Public Schools
In addition to this, elementary students will not be allowed to use personal devices while on the school bus unless a bus driver permits them to do so.
Previously, cell phones were prohibited throughout the school day for both elementary and middle schools but allowed outside the classroom for high school students.
“This policy update reflects our commitment to creating a consistent and distraction-free learning environment across all grade levels,” said Dr. Ben Copeland, LCS Interim Superintendent. “By reducing interruptions caused by personal devices, we can better support students’ academic and social development.”
“LCS is committed to ensuring the transition to cell-phone-free education is as smooth and positive as possible for students, families, and staff members. We’re working closely with principals and administrators to ensure every school is ready to start implementing Off & Away All Day as soon as students return from winter break,” said Chief Academic and Student Services Officer Derrick Brown.
To read the policy in its entirety, click here.
