Richmond, VA — The Richmond School Board has unveiled a new set of policies and disciplinary measures aimed at enforcing a cell phone-free environment across all schools within the district. The policy, discussed in a school board meeting on December 2, 2024, is part of the district’s broader efforts to comply with an executive order issued by Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin, which mandates cell phone-free education.
The newly implemented “Acceptable Technology and Cell Phone Use Policy” requires all students to store their cell phones away during school hours, with exceptions made only for students with documented medical or emotional needs. This policy marks a significant step in the district’s ongoing efforts to manage technology in schools.
Under the new guidelines, a tiered disciplinary approach has been established for students who fail to comply with the cell phone restrictions:
- First offense: Students will receive a verbal warning and the violation will be documented by school staff.
- Second offense: A written warning will be issued, along with parental or caregiver contact. In some cases, the phone may be temporarily confiscated, and a caregiver may need to pick up the device.
- Third offense: More severe disciplinary measures may be applied, including restorative room assignments, suspension, or further confiscation of the device.
For elementary school students, there will be additional support, such as counseling sessions, to help them understand the consequences of their actions and to promote better decision-making.
In cases of severe violations—such as using a phone for cheating, cyberbullying, or engaging in illegal activities—students may face immediate device confiscation, suspension, or even law enforcement involvement. Refusal to comply with a confiscation could result in suspension or additional disciplinary actions.
During the meeting, board members raised concerns about the policy’s implementation across the district. Shonda Harris-Muhammed, the school board member for District 6, voiced her worries about the consistency of the enforcement across various schools, particularly as different schools may interpret or implement the policy in different ways. She pointed out that families with children attending different schools may become confused if similar offenses result in different consequences.
The district is working to ensure that there is uniform enforcement, though some schools, such as Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School, have already begun using alternative phone storage methods, such as the Yondr pouches. According to Renesha Parks, Richmond Public Schools’ Chief Wellness Officer, leadership is committed to addressing these differences by the end of the 2024-25 school year.
In addition to disciplinary measures, the school district has also focused on communication strategies to ensure that all students, families, and staff are well-informed about the new policy. Mariah White, a board member for District 2, raised concerns about the increased workload this policy could create for office staff, particularly in schools with limited administrative resources. Parks addressed these concerns by emphasizing that the vast majority of students are expected to comply with the rules without incident, with only a small percentage needing further intervention.
To ensure thorough communication, the district has pledged to distribute the policy to all families, host school-based Community Conversations to clarify the rules, and use a variety of media—including school websites, newsletters, and social media platforms—to keep everyone informed. In addition, the district is encouraging schools to create student-led videos and infographics to promote the benefits of a cell-phone-free learning environment.
As Richmond Public Schools rolls out this new policy, the leadership remains committed to monitoring its effectiveness and making adjustments as necessary to ensure a smooth transition. The policy aims to balance the need for a focused, distraction-free learning environment with clear, fair procedures for students who fail to comply.
