Personal Device-Free Education

• Albemarle County Public Schools (ACPS) adopted an “Away for the Day” cell phone practice for all middle schools in 2019, following a national trend and pilot programs in several middle schools. The Away for the Day initiative supports transforming schools into cell phone-free spaces. 
• ACPS has had a long-standing cell-phone-free practice over the years.  After the return to in-person instruction after the pandemic, schools across the country experienced an increase in cell phone use among students. ACPS was among many schools that began tightening the already-existing cell phone restrictions in the classroom and school environment including a division level standard operating guide in 2022. 
• Governor Glenn Youngkin’s Executive Order 33, which went into effect in July 2024, establishes cell phone-free education in Virginia’s K-12 public schools. Coinciding with Governor Younkin’s order was a tightening of restrictions in our high schools that required student cell phones to be stored out of sight during instructional time.
• ACPS created a steering committee of students, staff and parents in the fall of 2024 to help guide our practice and implementation.
• In December 2024, the Albemarle County School Board passed the Personal Device Free Education Policy.
• High schools further tightened restrictions on cell phone use, which prohibited students from using cell phones in any class, including study halls and intervention periods. High schools used the 2024-25 school year as a transition period to develop strategies and procedures to support "Bell-to-Bell" restrictions that include restricting cell phone use during lunch and classroom transition time.
• In April 2025, the Virginia General Assembly passed HB 1961 that reinforced the Executive Order restricting cell phone use in schools, which also has the support of the Virginia Department of Education.

• Student Conduct Policy
• Governor Glenn Youngkin’s Executive Order 33 establishing cell phone-free education in Virginia’s K-12 public schools
• Personal Device Free Education Policy JFCP Cellular Personal Device Free Education
• Responsible Use of Technology Policy (staff) Acceptable/Responsible Use Policy
• Responsible Use of Technology Policy (students) Responsible Student Use of Technology
• Virginia House Bill 1961

Studies show that there has been a decrease in psychological well-being (mental health) and a decrease in academic outcomes when students use cell phones during class.

Misuse of cell phones results in problems such as:

• increase in depression
• negative academic outcomes
• chronic distraction during instructional times including phones ringing or receiving alerts
• more time allocated to behavior management instead of instruction
• a negative effect on interpersonal relationships
• an increase in student anxiety and aggression as observed by teachers
• students using phones to coordinate and participate in problematic behaviors on school grounds; e.g., fighting, drug use
• the documentation and publishing of student images and scenarios without permission on social media
• “sexting” and sharing illicit photos
• confidentiality and privacy concerns including honor code violations
• cheating
• bullying and cyberbullying

In The Anxious Generation, social psychologist Jonathan Haidt explores the sharp rise in anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges among young people, particularly those born after 1995. Haidt argues that the widespread adoption of smartphones and social media during childhood, combined with a decline in independent, unstructured play and increased parental overprotection, has created a "phone-based childhood" that undermines emotional development and resilience. He presents compelling research to show how these cultural and technological shifts have contributed to a mental health crisis, and he offers a roadmap for parents, educators, and policymakers to help restore a healthier, more balanced childhood.

Access to Personal Devices

Elementary School

• Students may not use personal communication devices (such as cell phones, Apple Watches, etc.) at any time during the school day, from the first bell to the last bell (Bell-to-Bell).
• Ideally, personal devices should be left at home. If a student brings one to school, it must stay stored away for the entire day.

Middle School

• Students are not allowed to use personal communication devices (cell phones, Apple Watches, etc.) at any time during the school day, from the first bell to the last bell (Bell-to-Bell).
• If a student brings a device to school, it must be stored during the school day.

High School

• Students are not allowed to use personal communication devices (cell phones, Apple Watches, etc.) at any time during the school day, from the first bell to the last bell. This now includes lunch and class transition times (Bell-to-Bell)
• If a student brings a personal device to school, it must stay stored for the entire day.

Storage

“Stored” means a cell phone or personal electronic communication device not being carried on the student’s person, including not in the student’s pocket. Storage options include, but are not limited to: in the student’s backpack; in the student’s locker; in a locked pouch (if school provided); or in a designated place in the classroom.

When a student and family make the decision to bring a personal device to the school, it is the responsibility of the student to have it stored from the start of the school day to the end of school day.

If students/families have questions about the storage options at their child’s school, they should refer to that school’s options for storage.

Transportation

Students may have a cell phone, smart phone, tablet, or other communications device on school buses provided that the use of the device does not distract or create an unsafe environment while the students are on the bus or school transportation vehicle. School bus drivers may direct the student to put their phone away or cease use if it does become a distraction. 

Field Trips During the School Day

School field trips during the school day will manage student personal devices the same way they are managed on buses to and from school. Individual schools may provide greater restrictions based on need and circumstances. This will be communicated by school personnel prior to the field trip.

Off-Campus Student Events During the School Day

Schools and school staff will adhere to the same guidelines as established within the school building for off-campus events.  Exceptions can be made by individual school staff related to the use of personal communication devices as a tool for uses such as a recording device for photos, videos, etc., as pre-approved by school staff at off-campus events. 

School Consequences for Personal Device Use (Cell-Phones/Smart Watches)

The goal of addressing use or misuse of cell phones by students is to educate and prevent the behavior from occurring in the future. Each individual school will have their own procedures for identifying students who are using or misusing devices and subsequent steps for staff to take next.  

NOTE: Individual elementary schools may prohibit personal communication devices from students based on safety and security issues. Individual Elementary Schools will share this information with parents. 

The division is not liable for devices brought to school or school activities. If a student possesses or uses such a device other than as permitted in this policy, in addition to other disciplinary sanctions which may be imposed, the device may be confiscated from the student and returned only to the student’s parent.

Per State code, no violation of any such student cell phone possession and use policy shall alone constitute sufficient cause for a student's suspension or expulsion from attendance at school and any such violation that involves, coincides with, or results in an instance of disruptive behavior will be handled consistent with school and school board policies related to student standard of conduct policy. 

Student Announcement and Activity Updates

Many high school students are involved in a variety of activities after school that often get canceled or rescheduled for a variety of reasons.  Each high school is developing a system for students to check activities online on their computer throughout the school day. Because many of our students are at different high school locations throughout the day, a link to each school’s activity update is available below.

• Albemarle High School: albemarlepatriots.com
• Monticello High School: GoMonticello.org
• Western Albemarle High School: Wahswarriors.org

Emergency Situations

Albemarle County Public Schools practice the following responses based on the circumstances occurring at the school:

1. Evacuation (fire, bomb threat, etc.)
2. Shelter in place (severe weather/other environmental factors)
3. Secure the Building (threat outside the school building)
4. Violent Critical Incident (active shooter/violent intruder)
5. Hold procedures (temporary action to keep student/staff in current location)

Student personal communication devices should not be used by students during a crisis and are not a part of the school’s crisis plan communication. There may be extenuating circumstances for student personal device use after a threat is over to communicate with parent or guardian on a case by case basis. 

Each school will provide a way for parents/guardians to reach students during the school day for family emergencies and will communicate those procedures to students and families. 

Exemptions

Policies developed by ACPS include allowable exemptions to the minimum standards for cell phone-free education when such exemptions are necessary to comply with an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or 504 plan (Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act). Viable alternatives to using a cell phone or personal electronic communication device will be explored and implemented in collaboration with the student’s family. Allowable exemptions for cell phones and personal electronic communication devices must be written into 504, IEP and/or individualized health care plans.

All individualized health care plans that include cell phone or personal electronic communication device usage must be approved by the School Nurse Coordinator, Director of Student Services, or Superintendent’s designee. If a student with a disability is determined to require access to technology to ensure the provision of a free and appropriate public education, IEP, or 504, their teams will collaborate to consider appropriate identification and use of assistive technology to support a student's unique needs.

ACPS will consider students’ IEPs and 504 plans when creating policies regarding cell phone and personal electronic communication device access, usage, and storage protocols, and provide school-based devices for assistive technology where appropriate. 

Parents and families that have specific needs that they feel require the use of personal communication devices that pertain to an IEP or 504 plan will follow the normal procedures and request a conversation and review through school administration and/or case managers. 

ACPS’ Digital Citizenship Philosophy

Digital Citizenship - Albemarle County School District

Good Digital Citizens are individuals who use technology responsibly, safely, and in a way that contributes positively to their digital communities. As providers of various technologies to our students, Albemarle County Public Schools believes it is our responsibility to partner with students, families, and teachers to provide strategies, resources, and curricula that cultivate healthy technology use habits.

Digital Citizenship Curriculum

Digital Citizenship curriculum is taught at all schools in ACPS, but not to all grade levels. It is a guaranteed curriculum for all middle schoolers and freshmen, as it is embedded into the advisory curriculum. Students in other grades may receive instruction as their schools work toward their Common Sense certification.

Digital Citizenship Lessons & Standards 2024-25

Digital Citizenship Domains

• Media Balance & Well-Being
• Privacy & Security
• Digital Footprint & Identity
• Relationships & Communication
• Cyberbullying, Digital Drama & Hate Speech
• News & Media Literacy

Digital Citizenship Resources for Families

• ACPS Family Field Guide | Un guía de campo de tecnología y ciudadanía digital para las familias de ACPS (Currently being revised for republication in Fall 2025
• American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Family Media Plan 
• Parents' Ultimate Guides | Common Sense Media (free for educators)
• Book: Digital for Good: Raising Kids to Thrive in an Online World
• Smartphone Alternatives Smartphone Alternatives — Wait Until 8th
• Elementary/Middle School Voluntary Pledge: No Smart phone until high school Why wait? — Wait Until 8th

If I want to contact my child at school and I am not allowed to contact them by cell phone during the day, what are suggestions on how to reach them?

If your child is in middle or high school and has regular use of a school computer, you can message them through their school-issued Google email account. If it is imperative they receive the information during school hours, call your school’s front office so they may relay the message to your child. 

What if there is an emergency and I have to reach my child during the school day?

If it is imperative your child receives the information during school hours, call your school’s front office so they may relay the message to your child. 

How will I know if school activities or sports are modified or canceled in a timely manner?

Schools will typically have announcements over the PA system at the end of the day regarding activities. Each high school will also have the following activity website links available to the community and students at any time for updates.

• Albemarle High School: www.albemarlepatriots.com 
• Monticello High School: www.GoMonticello.org
• Western Albemarle High School: Wahswarriors.org

Can my child check their phone during lunches or in between classes?

No. Phones and personal communication devices should be stored at all times during the school day. If there is a special need to check phone or call home, student should report to the office for assistance. 

Is my child allowed to have their phone out on the way to and on the way home from school?

Phone use to and from school (before school starts and after school is over) is permissible both inside and outside the building. On buses to and from school devices may be used provided there have not been additional restrictions placed by the school’s principal and provided that any use of the device is not disruptive to the driver or others around them.  

My child has a smart watch.  Are they allowed to wear that during school?

No. The rule for smart watches and any other personal communication devices is the same as it is for cell phones. They must be stored during the school day.  

Can my child store their phone in their pocket or on their person rather than in a locker or bookbag?

The definition of stored means a cell phone or personal electronic communication device not being carried on the student’s person, including pockets. Storage options include, but are not limited to: in the student’s backpack; in the student’s locker; in a locked pouch (if school provided); or in a designated place in the classroom.

If a student is in need of a backpack or some type of carrying mechanism for school supplies, their counseling office can assist with providing. 

The procedures indicate use of a locker at the school for phone storage.  How would I get a locker at my school?  Are there enough lockers for all high school students?

Lockers are located in all our middle and high schools. Each school has their own set of procedures and processes for a student obtaining a locker. There is no fee. Upon request, a locker can be assigned for the student to use. Locker use at the high schools in recent years has been very sparse and we don’t foresee an issue with locker access for those who request one. 

What are the rules regarding cell phones at the elementary school level?

While personal communication devices aren’t as prominent throughout elementary schools in comparison to middle and high; there is still use among some elementary students with smart watches and cell phones. The same, “bell-to-bell” restrictions are in place at the elementary level. In addition, some elementary school administrators have limited cell phones on buses to and from school as well. 

My elementary school student was told that their bus did not allow for phones on buses to and from school? Is this accurate? Does this differ from practice and procedures?

Some elementary school administrators have limited cell phones on buses to and from school based on misuse and bus related issues with phones. Your school administrators will provide specific information based on cell phone use on buses. 

As a parent, I feel stuck in trying to make decisions on when to get my child a cell phone. Are there resources that the county provides that can help parents in making these decisions?

Yes. Under the Parent Resource Tab, you will find information from our Department of Technology that provides resources to help families navigate the issues of phone use.

There are also resources on when to buy a phone as well as guides to buying phones that have limited social media capabilities and serve only as a text or phone call device.
We are also partnering with schools and PTSOs to support campaigns that aim to delay the purchase of phones and the use of social media among our students.

My child plays a sport and oftentimes leaves early for an away game while school is still in session. Are they allowed to use their phone on the bus to the event since it’s still during school hours?

Note our policy that pertains to field trips during the school day as this scenario addresses:

Field Trips during the school day (Transportation)
School field trips during the school day will manage student personal devices the same way it is managed on buses “to and from school” (use is permitted unless deemed distracting to the driver and others on the bus). Individual schools/trips may provide greater restrictions based on need and circumstances.  This will be communicated by school personnel prior to the field trip.

I’m concerned my child might take their phone out during the school day. What are the consequences for such action?  Can they be suspended for phone violations? 

State legislation, Virginia House Bill 1961,  states the following as it pertains to student consequences with personal learning devices:

"...the bill clarifies that (a) no violation of any such student cell phone possession and use policy shall alone constitute sufficient cause for a student's suspension or expulsion from attendance at school and (b) any such violation that involves, coincides with, or results in an instance of disruptive behavior, as that term is defined in applicable law, shall be addressed in accordance with the regulations on codes of student conduct adopted by each school board pursuant to applicable law.”

If a student response becomes disruptive, it will be handled in accordance with applicable school rules and procedures. 

My child has an IEP (or 504 plan) and currently use their cell phone as part of their support in school. Are they still allowed to use their personal phone based on this policy?

Policies developed by ACPS  include allowable exemptions to the minimum standards for cell phone-free education when such exemptions are necessary to comply with an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or 504 plan (Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act). Viable alternatives to using a cell phone or personal electronic communication device will be explored and implemented in collaboration with the student’s family.  Allowable exemptions for cell phones and personal electronic communication devices must be written into 504, IEP and/or individualized health care plans.

All individualized health care plans that include cell phone or personal electronic communication device usage must be approved by the School Nurse Coordinator, Director of Student Services, or Superintendent’s designee. If a student with a disability is determined to require access to technology to ensure the provision of a free and appropriate public education, IEP, or 504, their teams will collaborate to consider appropriate identification and use of assistive technology to support a student's unique needs. ACPS will consider students’ IEPs and 504 plans when creating policies regarding cell phone and personal electronic communication device access, usage, and storage protocols, and provide school-based devices for assistive technology where appropriate. 

My child is not a native English speaker and has used their phone, sometimes during the school day, for translation services. Is this not appropriate? What support is available at the school to help students when English is not their native language for interpretation and translation needs? 

Albemarle County Public Schools is committed to working with teachers and administrators to ensure that all students, including English Learners, have meaningful access to school curriculum. This includes supporting students to connect with their own native language support where students determine this is helpful, including using their ACPS-issued devices, in alignment with best practices and emerging neurolinguistics research. ACPS also has access to a 24/7 phone-based interpretation line to facilitate student and teacher communication, as well as communication with families, in their preferred language; it is not appropriate for students to be expected to use their personal devices to communicate with their teachers using machine-based translation, which is often error-prone and can create confusion.  

If there is a threat at the school, will I be able to communicate with my child?

Per State requirement, no school crisis plan should include personal student devices as part of their communication plan in the event of an emergency.  We do realize that there could be circumstances at a school where it is prudent for a child to communicate with parents or guardians given a situation occurring that’s impacting their school.

During the actual crisis or emergency, we would advise against the use of student personal devices for communication. There could be times, after the emergency has been lifted, that permission would be provided by the adults supervising students for cell phone use.