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Phones in school

From a state order to a tiered policy to a full school-day ban, how Loudoun changed the rules on phones, and what comes next.

Why this matters to students

This one is about your school day directly. In two years, Loudoun went from letting high schoolers keep phones nearby to banning personal devices for the whole day, and the rules are still changing.

The question

Should students be allowed to use phones and personal devices during the school day?

Background in two minutes

In June 2024 the Loudoun School Board adopted a tiered device policy: elementary students could not use devices, middle schoolers stored them in lockers, and high schoolers used classroom storage. A month later, Gov. Glenn Youngkin signed Executive Order 33, which required every Virginia school board to adopt a cell phone-free policy by Jan. 1, 2025.

In December 2025 the School Board went further, voting 6–1, with two abstentions, to ban phones, smartwatches, personal laptops and tablets during school hours. The board also adopted a policy in June 2025 governing how generative AI can be used in classrooms.

The case for restricting phones

Supporters argue that phones distract students from learning, and that removing them during the day improves focus and encourages students to talk to each other face to face.

Many also cite concerns about social media's effect on teen mental health, and say a single clear rule is easier for teachers to enforce than case-by-case judgment.

The case against a full ban

Some parents want to be able to reach their children in an emergency, and some students use their phones to manage medical needs or learning accommodations.

Critics also argue that high schoolers about to enter college and jobs should learn to manage technology responsibly rather than have it taken away, and that enforcement adds work for teachers. One School Board member voted against the ban and two abstained.

What the county actually did

The School Board has tightened the rules step by step, partly in response to the state's order.

Jun 25, 2024Tiered student device policy by grade level Adopted
Elementary students may not use devices, middle schoolers store them in lockers, and high schoolers use classroom storage.
Jul 9, 2024Governor's order requires cell phone-free school policies Signed
Directed state guidance on cell phone-free education and required school boards, including Loudoun's, to adopt policies by Jan. 1, 2025.
Jun 24, 2025Generative AI use policy adopted Adopted Vote: 7–0
Only approved AI programs may be used in instruction, and teachers may not rely on AI alone for grading.
Dec 16, 2025Personal devices banned during the school day Adopted Vote: 6–1–2
Bans student phones, smartwatches, personal laptops and tablets during school hours. One member opposed and two abstained.
Jun 9, 2026Proposal to require high school phone storage during class Proposed
A School Board member proposed locker or pouch storage during class, and the superintendent said the administration would support it.

Open questions

Will the School Board adopt the June 2026 proposal to require locker or pouch storage during high school classes?
How is the ban being enforced, and what exceptions are students using?
How will the AI policy change as new tools reach classrooms?