Lynchburg area divisions address cell phones in classroom [Video]

Many students in Lynchburg and the surrounding counties will have different cellphone privileges compared to just a few months ago.

As the start of school approaches, cellphone use continues to be a concern for school divisions around the state and for some local school boards, there’s a similar worry on how and when those devices should be allowed.

Last month, Gov. Glenn Youngkin issued an executive order aimed at establishing “cell phone-free education” in the state’s K-12 public schools, pointing to an increasing impact cellphone and social media usage has on education and youths’ mental health.

Executive Order 33 directs the Virginia Department of Education to draft guidance for public school divisions to follow when adopting local policies.

The Virginia Department of Education will issue final guidance in September for local school divisions and procedures on Jan. 1.

Youngkin said in his release the new policies will promote “a healthier and more focused educational environment where every child is …