Richmond-area schools roll out cellphone-free policies [Video]

The shift comes after Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s administration released its model cellphone-free policies requiring divisions to adopt their own bell-to-bell, cellphone-free policies.

The goal is to improve engagement, limit distractions, encourage face-to-face engagement, reduce dependence and lessen instances of cyberbullying, state officials say.

Many Virginia school systems will implement new plans with the start of the calendar year on Wednesday.

Here’s a look at local policies:

Richmond

Students will now be required to have their phones turned off and “out of sight” from the time the first bell rings to the final bell.

Infractions will be tallied on a tiered basis with the first offense resulting in confiscation. If a student continues to fail to comply with the new rules, they face suspension.

The division has agreed to make exceptions to this policy for students who need their devices for medical or emergency reasons.

Chesterfield

The Chesterfield County School Boardunanimously voted in mid-December to adopt …