RICHMOND, VA - Governor Glenn Youngkin has taken a proactive step towards improving education and mental health in Virginia's K-12 public schools by issuing Executive Order 33. The executive order directs the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) to develop guidance for school divisions to establish cell phone-free education policies and procedures.

The decision to implement cell phone-free education comes in response to growing evidence of the detrimental impact of cell phone and social media use on students' academic performance and mental well-being. Governor Youngkin aims to create a healthier and more focused learning environment where children are free to thrive and learn.

Under the executive order, VDOE will engage in a comprehensive public consultation process involving parents, students, teachers, and local school leaders to collaboratively establish age-appropriate restrictions or eliminations on cell phone use during instructional time. The goal is to strike a balance between ensuring student safety and allowing parents to contact their children in emergency situations.

To support the implementation of this initiative and promote mental health and safety, the VDOE and the Department of Behavioral Health and Development Services (DBDHS) will allocate a combined amount of $500,000 from existing funds. These funds will be used to facilitate the adoption of cell phone-free education policies.

The need for this action is underscored by alarming statistics regarding youth mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety, linked to excessive social media and cell phone use. Studies show that children spend an average of 4.8 hours a day on social media, and adolescents who spend more than three hours a day on these platforms have double the risk of experiencing poor mental health.

Moreover, data from the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention reveals a staggering increase in suicide rates for both boys and girls since 2010, as well as a significant spike in depression. These figures highlight the urgency of addressing the negative impact of excessive screen time and social media on children's well-being.

Governor Youngkin's executive order sets a clear vision for protecting students' health and safety by reducing exposure to addictive cell phones and social media. It serves as a starting point for robust discussions and collaboration among various stakeholders at the local level to design and implement policies and procedures that align with their specific needs.

The VDOE will publish draft guidance by August 15, and after considering feedback from stakeholders, the final guidance will be issued in September. Local school divisions will be required to adopt cell phone-free education policies and procedures by January 1, 2025, though they may choose to implement age-appropriate measures before that date.

The Department of Education will actively engage with the public through listening sessions and other engagement opportunities to gather input and best practices from Virginia's public schools. Furthermore, funding will be provided to support family nights, community engagement events, and microgrants for school divisions in need of assistance with implementing the new policies.

While some school divisions in Virginia have already implemented cell phone limitations, this statewide effort marks a significant step towards improving the learning environment by reducing distractions and enhancing student focus. Research suggests that students who use cell phones during class tend to learn less and achieve lower grades, resulting in long-term detrimental effects on their academic performance.

Governor Youngkin's commitment to promoting a healthy and vibrant learning community by curbing excessive cell phone and social media use reflects Virginia's determination to prioritize the well-being and educational success of its students.

For more information on how to engage and provide input on this policy, please visit [insert link here].