On April 2, 2025, Governor Youngkin signed into law HB1961 and SB738, which amends the Virginia Code to add section 22.1-79.3:1. Student cell phone and smart device possession and use policies; development and implementation. Beginning July 1, 2025, every school board throughout the Commonwealth must develop and implement policies regarding student cell phone and smart device possession and use on school property. This new law requires such policies to restrict student cell phone and smart device possession and use from bell-to-bell, which is defined as the time from the first bell rings to start the school day until the dismissal bell rings at the end of the school day.
Prior to the 2024-2025 school year, FCPS updated FCPS Regulation 219R - Portable Communication Devices (“Regulation 219R”) to prohibit students from using their devices, including cell phones, during the school day, specifically during instructional time. However, an exception was made for high school students who were permitted to use their cell phones during lunch and class transitions.
As required by HB1961 and SB738, FCPS has further amended Regulation 219R to prohibit all students, including high school students, from using portable communication devices such as their cell phone, smart watches, tablets, headphones/ear pods, etc. during the school day. Review the updated Regulation 219R.
We strongly encourage you to review the updated regulation with your student(s) to help ensure your student is aware of and understands the expectations set forth in Regulation 219R prior to the start of the new school year. We greatly appreciate your partnership in helping to ensure all students receive a high-quality education by protecting instructional time from the distraction of portable communication devices (i.e. cell phones).
For more information, please see the following: