From its conception to the voting process and finally its implementation, the cell phone policy has been one of the hottest topics of the school year.
On Dec, 10, 2024, the Virginia Beach City Public Schools (VBCPS) school board voted to implement Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s order in all schools in Virginia. Though the order is all-encompassing, Virginia Beach has made a few specific changes, notably with high school students.
“Our district made a compromise,” Principal Dr. Claire Le Blanc said. “You can have your phones during one lunch, but next year, you are not going to have it from 7:20 a.m. to 2 p.m.”
Administrators, teachers and students of all levels have differing opinions on the effects of the policy. Some appreciate its effectiveness in reducing addiction, but others are unhappy with the lack of communication.
“I don’t like it,” sophomore Emmalee Cross said. “I want to communicate with my mother. Sometimes, track practice is cancelled, but if I do not know, then I miss the bus.”
On the other hand, Le Blanc stresses that such announcements should be made through the intercom system or Canvas instead of through texts.
“The office is always open if you want to call your parents,” Le Blanc said.
Though students have certain concerns, teachers reported seeing a positive outcome of the policy.
“I am pleasantly surprised by how little noncompliance I see,” math teacher Susan John said.
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Le Blanc and her staff noticed the issue and worked to address it by first making their lessons more engaging, thinking that it could make students pay more attention. However, this did not resolve the problem. As a result, the previous cell phone policy was put in place: no phones allowed during classes, though there were a few exceptions.
“Honestly, I don’t feel like [the policy] is that bad now that it is in motion, but the cons are that we won’t be able to use our phones for the classes where we might need them,” junior Srishti Aleti said. “Those include yearbook, photography and art classes.”
The new policy expands by including the specific phrasing of “instructional time,” which encompasses time between classes as well. Failure to comply will result in a referral, followed by after school detention and then, suspension. At that point, it will be coded as a noncompliance issue rather than a cell phone problem.
Overall, from English teacher Don Kroeller’s perspective, the cell phone policy has yielded positive results.
“It’s good that we don’t have as many kids now going to the bathroom to use their phone or meet up with people,” Kroeller said. “I see [the policy] as, essentially, all pros.”
Le Blanc is pleased with the increased amount of face-to-face interactions occurring between students. As a former sports coach who encouraged team building activities, she enjoys seeing the blossoming camaraderie between students on a day-to-day basis.
“I have noticed more talking, more conversation … there is more laughter,” Le Blanc said. “There seems to be a more upbeat aura, and I like those interactions. I think they are healthier.”
