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Bill

SB 108

School boards; student cell phone and smart device possession and use policies, prohibition.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Stella Pekarsky

Virginia would mandate all school boards prohibit student cell phone and smart device possession during the school day to reduce classroom distraction and improve academic focus.

Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (SB108)
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Bill Summary · SB 108

Legislative bill overview

SB 108 would prohibit Virginia school boards from allowing students to possess or use cell phones and smart devices during the school day. The bill mandates that all local school boards implement policies restricting student access to these devices, likely requiring collection or secure storage during instructional hours.

Why is this important

This legislation addresses growing concerns about classroom distraction, student mental health, and academic performance by removing a primary source of in-school disruption. The policy would affect millions of Virginia students and represents a significant shift in how schools manage technology access, with potential implications for student safety communication and emergency protocols.

Potential points of contention

  • Emergency communication limitations: Restricting phone access could impede parents' ability to reach students during emergencies or health crises, raising safety concerns
  • Equity and feasibility issues: Implementation costs for secure storage systems and enforcement mechanisms vary widely among districts; concerns about lost, damaged, or stolen devices and liability
  • Student autonomy vs. educational benefit: Debates over whether blanket prohibitions respect student maturity levels and whether research conclusively supports academic improvement from device restrictions versus more targeted policies

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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