Social media addiction: boy hiding under the blanket at night using his cell phone

Dear Families,

Governor Glenn Youngkin has issued Executive Order 33 to establish cell phone-free education in Virginia's K-12 public schools, aiming to promote student health and safety. This initiative addresses the mental health issues linked to social media and cell phone addiction, particularly the rising rates of depression and anxiety among youth. Children, who spend an average of 4.8 hours daily on social media, face a doubled risk of poor mental health when exceeding three hours of usage. Alarmingly, from 2019 to 2021, the rate of suicide increased by 167% for girls and 91% for boys, with depression rates spiking 161% for boys and 145% for girls since 2010.

To support this effort, the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) will guide school boards in establishing cell phone-free policies by the end of this year, with implementation slated for 2025. The VDOE will engage in Commonwealth Conversations across Virginia, inviting parents, educators, and community members to discuss new norms for phone usage in schools. This collaborative effort aims to foster a healthier and more focused educational environment for all students.

At Albemarle County Public Schools, we continue to prioritize the well-being and academic success of our students. Accordingly, we would like to remind you of our Student Conduct policy, specifically regarding the use of cell phones and other communication devices. This policy ensures a safe and productive learning environment for all students.

Policy Cooperation from Students & Families

  • Device Usage: Students may possess a cell phone, smartphone, tablet, or other communication device on school property, including school buses. However, these devices must remain off and out of sight during instructional time unless used for instructional purposes as directed by the teacher. This also applies to earbuds, air pods, and other types of headphones.
  • Bus Safety: Students must stop using their devices if a school bus driver instructs them to do so, especially if it distracts or creates an unsafe environment.
  • Internet Safety: No school-provided device may be used with an unfiltered connection to the Internet. Students are expected to use school-provided devices appropriately at all times. The division is not liable for the theft, damage or loss of any personal devices brought to school or school activities.
  • Consequences: If a student uses their device in a way that is not permitted by this policy, the device may be confiscated and will only be returned to the student's parent/guardian. Other disciplinary actions may also be taken.

Reasons for the Policy

  • Minimizing Distractions: As an educational organization, we must be able to foster engagement in learning. Our cell phone policy is meant, in part, to reduce distractions in the classroom.
  • Promoting Mental Health: The primary purpose of limiting cell phone use is to protect the mental health and wellness of our students. Excessive cell phone use, particularly social media, has been linked to various mental health issues, including anxiety, depression and addiction. By limiting access during school hours, we strive to help students develop healthier usage habits and reduce the negative impacts of constant connectivity. Students cannot learn if they do not feel mentally safe.
  • Preventing Violence and Threats: Cell phones can be a tool for bullying and the spread of threats or harmful content. Incidents of cyberbullying often escalate when students have unrestricted access to their phones. By enforcing our cell phone policy, we aim to create a safer and more cohesive school environment in which students are less likely to engage in or be affected by bullying, harassment and threats.
  • Enhancing Focus on Safety: In emergency situations, having cell phones off and away ensures that students follow established safety protocols rather than turning to social media or other distractions. This can prevent misinformation and ensure that students respond appropriately to instructions from teachers and school staff.

You can view our policies regarding cell phone use in middle and high schools on our Cell Phone Policies web page.

Social Media Litigation

ACPS has joined a national class action lawsuit against major social media companies to hold them accountable for their deceptive practices and contribution to the youth mental health crisis. This effort aims to recover resources and address the impacts of social media addiction on our students.

Thank You for Your Partnership

We appreciate your cooperation and support in enforcing these guidelines to create a better learning environment for all our students. Should you have any questions or need further clarification, please do not hesitate to contact your school’s administration.

Thank you for your continued partnership in your child’s education.

Sincerely,

Dr. Matthew S. Haas
Superintendent