On July 9, 2024 Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin proposed banning cell phones in Virginia public schools starting January 1 2025. The goal of “cell phone-free education” was to promote healthier and more focused learning conditions but allowing students to have access to them at lunch.
Janet Balestino has been teaching at Virginia schools for 15 years. Through out her teaching career she always had access to her cell phone, preferably on her desk. “Without having to worry about my kids as much anymore, I still would check my messages from any clients and check for other important messages,” she says.
“Staying off of phones is hard for students, it’s normalized to have them on you at all times. It’s hard for both teachers and students because if they can’t be on it neither can I.”
With the ban coming in place January 1st which means as soon as we got back from winter break no watches, headphones, earbuds and phones. She expressed how having such a huge change mid year is hard for students to get used to. She believes it would’ve been more efficient to start the ban the first day of school. The first week of the ban she said she’s never had to contact as many parents or write so many referrals. She says it causes tension between her and the students. She hates having to get on her students so much about something that isn’t a huge problem but still has to follow the law.
“Having to come back after winter break and not being allowed to have any electronics it’s hard, it’s the middle of the year why do it now?”
For some student when working on computers makes them want to get on their phone more. Balestino says now she aims towards more lessons on paper. She also started doing game days on certain Fridays and days towards the end of semester. She said she loves to see her students take time off electronics and socialize more which was the goal of the ban.
“Doing worksheets means students are putting more focus into writing compared to typing with a phone in one hand, it also keeps the classroom quieter too, a better learning environment.”
As a marketing teacher making promotional videos have always been a big part of her class. If its videos for our school store or projects she allowed students to make videos on their phones. Filming videos on the Chromebook is hard. She says it’s going to be hard to find an alternative for the lesson for next year.
“I hate to see teachers also argue with other teachers about their views on cellphones, it’s such a non problem to other things that happen in the building. Phones are helpful if used in the right way. Like why are we chasing students down the halls if there’s an Airpod in their ear?”
After decreasing in test scores the governor made a change in our school system that did more affected more than just the students.
“I don’t think think that passing this worked in the way he wanted (Governor Glenn Youngkin) he thought it would be beneficial but started more behavioral issues in my personal opinion.”
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