{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/22.1-79.3_1.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/22.1-79.3_1.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/22.1-79.3_1.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/22.1-79.3_1.html"}],"law_id":60962,"edition_id":1,"section_id":60962,"structure_id":13368,"section_number":"22.1-79.3:1","catch_line":"Student cell phone and smart device possession and use policies; development and implementation","history":"2025, cc. 606, 644.","full_text":"A\n\nAs used in this section:\n\t\t\t“Bell to bell” means after the first bell rings at the start of the school day to begin instructional time until the dismissal bill rings at the end of the school day. “Bell to bell” includes lunch and time in between class periods.\n\t\t\t“Smart device” means any personal electronic device that can connect to the Internet and wirelessly collect, process, and transmit data, including smart watches and tablets.B\n\nEach school board shall develop and each public elementary and secondary school shall implement age-appropriate and developmentally appropriate policies relating to student cell phone and smart device possession and use on school property from bell to bell. Such policies shall:1\n\nExcept as provided in subdivision 4, restrict student cell phone and smart device possession and use on school property from bell to bell;2\n\nTo the extent that student cell phone or smart device possession and use is otherwise permitted on school property before or after bell to bell, regulate such possession and use with the objective of reducing any distractions in or disruptions to the learning environment, including bullying and harassment;3\n\nEnsure that implementation and enforcement of such policies (i) is the responsibility of the school administration; (ii) minimizes, to the extent possible, any conflict with the instructional responsibilities of teachers or any disturbance to instructional time; and (iii) does not involve any school resource officer, as defined in § 9.1-101, that may be employed in any school in the school division;4\n\nPermit any student, pursuant to an Individualized Education Plan, § 504 Plan, individualized health care plan, or Limited English Proficiency plan, to possess and use a cell phone or smart device on school property, including in the classroom, from bell to bell to monitor or address a health concern or as an accommodation or assistive technology support; and5\n\nExpressly prohibit any student from being suspended or expelled as a consequence of any violation of such policies.C\n\nNo violation of any student cell phone and smart device possession and use policy developed or implemented in accordance with subsection B shall alone constitute sufficient cause for a student’s suspension or expulsion from attendance at school pursuant to § 22.1-277. Any violation of any such student cell phone and smart device possession and use policy that involves, coincides with, or results in an instance of disruptive behavior, as that term is defined in § 22.1-276.01, shall be addressed in accordance with the regulations on codes of student conduct adopted by each school board pursuant to subsection B of § 22.1-279.6.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":222930,"text":"As used in this section:\n\t\t\t“Bell to bell” means after the first bell rings at the start of the school day to begin instructional time until the dismissal bill rings at the end of the school day. “Bell to bell” includes lunch and time in between class periods.\n\t\t\t“Smart device” means any personal electronic device that can connect to the Internet and wirelessly collect, process, and transmit data, including smart watches and tablets.","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"next_prefix":"B"},"1":{"id":222931,"text":"Each school board shall develop and each public elementary and secondary school shall implement age-appropriate and developmentally appropriate policies relating to student cell phone and smart device possession and use on school property from bell to bell. Such policies shall:","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A","next_prefix":"B1"},"2":{"id":222932,"text":"Except as provided in subdivision 4, restrict student cell phone and smart device possession and use on school property from bell to bell;","type":"section","prefixes":["B","1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"B1","prefix_anchor":"B1","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B","next_prefix":"B2"},"3":{"id":222933,"text":"To the extent that student cell phone or smart device possession and use is otherwise permitted on school property before or after bell to bell, regulate such possession and use with the objective of reducing any distractions in or disruptions to the learning environment, including bullying and harassment;","type":"section","prefixes":["B","2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"B2","prefix_anchor":"B2","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B1","next_prefix":"B3"},"4":{"id":222934,"text":"Ensure that implementation and enforcement of such policies (i) is the responsibility of the school administration; (ii) minimizes, to the extent possible, any conflict with the instructional responsibilities of teachers or any disturbance to instructional time; and (iii) does not involve any school resource officer, as defined in § 9.1-101, that may be employed in any school in the school division;","type":"section","prefixes":["B","3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"B3","prefix_anchor":"B3","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B2","next_prefix":"B4"},"5":{"id":222935,"text":"Permit any student, pursuant to an Individualized Education Plan, § 504 Plan, individualized health care plan, or Limited English Proficiency plan, to possess and use a cell phone or smart device on school property, including in the classroom, from bell to bell to monitor or address a health concern or as an accommodation or assistive technology support; and","type":"section","prefixes":["B","4"],"prefix":"4","entire_prefix":"B4","prefix_anchor":"B4","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B3","next_prefix":"B5"},"6":{"id":222936,"text":"Expressly prohibit any student from being suspended or expelled as a consequence of any violation of such policies.","type":"section","prefixes":["B","5"],"prefix":"5","entire_prefix":"B5","prefix_anchor":"B5","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B4","next_prefix":"C"},"7":{"id":222937,"text":"No violation of any student cell phone and smart device possession and use policy developed or implemented in accordance with subsection B shall alone constitute sufficient cause for a student’s suspension or expulsion from attendance at school pursuant to § 22.1-277. Any violation of any such student cell phone and smart device possession and use policy that involves, coincides with, or results in an instance of disruptive behavior, as that term is defined in § 22.1-276.01, shall be addressed in accordance with the regulations on codes of student conduct adopted by each school board pursuant to subsection B of § 22.1-279.6.","type":"section","prefixes":["C"],"prefix":"C","entire_prefix":"C","prefix_anchor":"C","level":1,"prior_prefix":"B5"}},"ancestry":[{"id":13368,"edition_id":1,"name":"General Powers and Duties of School Boards","identifier":"7","label":"chapter","depth":2,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12823,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:44:43","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:44:43","permalink":{"id":184095,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":13368,"identifier":"7","token":"22.1\/7","url":"\/22.1\/7\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12823,"edition_id":1,"name":"Education","identifier":"22.1","label":"title","depth":1,"order_by":1,"parent_id":null,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:55","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:55","permalink":{"id":180949,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12823,"identifier":"22.1","token":"22.1","url":"\/22.1\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}}],"structure_contents":[{"id":56889,"structure_id":13368,"section_number":"22.1-71","catch_line":"School board constitutes body corporate; 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approvals for certain alternative schedules","url":"\/22.1-79.1\/","token":"22.1\/7\/22.1-79.1","metadata":false},{"id":72475,"structure_id":13368,"section_number":"22.1-79.2","catch_line":"Uniforms in public schools; Board of Education guidelines","url":"\/22.1-79.2\/","token":"22.1\/7\/22.1-79.2","metadata":false},{"id":73078,"structure_id":13368,"section_number":"22.1-79.3","catch_line":"Policies regarding certain activities","url":"\/22.1-79.3\/","token":"22.1\/7\/22.1-79.3","metadata":false},{"id":60962,"structure_id":13368,"section_number":"22.1-79.3:1","catch_line":"Student cell phone and smart device possession and use policies; development and implementation","url":"\/22.1-79.3_1\/","token":"22.1\/7\/22.1-79.3_1","metadata":false},{"id":58943,"structure_id":13368,"section_number":"22.1-79.4","catch_line":"Threat assessment teams and oversight committees","url":"\/22.1-79.4\/","token":"22.1\/7\/22.1-79.4","metadata":false},{"id":81294,"structure_id":13368,"section_number":"22.1-79.5","catch_line":"Policy regarding retail tobacco products and hemp products intended for smoking","url":"\/22.1-79.5\/","token":"22.1\/7\/22.1-79.5","metadata":false},{"id":81218,"structure_id":13368,"section_number":"22.1-79.6","catch_line":"Employee lactation support policy","url":"\/22.1-79.6\/","token":"22.1\/7\/22.1-79.6","metadata":false},{"id":81408,"structure_id":13368,"section_number":"22.1-79.7","catch_line":"School meal policies; 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This law was first created in 2025. The record of its establishment is cataloged in chapters 606<\/a> and 644<\/a> of that year\u2019s edition of \u201cActs of Assembly,\u201d the annual state publication listing all changes made to the Code of Virginia in that year.<\/p>","references":false,"refers_to":[{"id":77797,"section_number":"22.1-276.01","catch_line":"Definitions","order_by":null,"url":"\/22.1-276.01\/"},{"id":87441,"section_number":"22.1-277","catch_line":"Suspensions and expulsions of students generally","order_by":null,"url":"\/22.1-277\/"},{"id":74451,"section_number":"22.1-279.6","catch_line":"Board of Education guidelines and model policies for codes of student conduct; school board regulations","order_by":null,"url":"\/22.1-279.6\/"},{"id":73488,"section_number":"9.1-101","catch_line":"(Effective July 1, 2026) Definitions","order_by":null,"url":"\/9.1-101\/"}],"permalink":{"id":184145,"object_type":"law","relational_id":60962,"identifier":"22.1-79.3:1","token":"22.1\/7\/22.1-79.3_1","url":"\/22.1-79.3_1\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/22.1-79.3_1\/","token":"22.1\/7\/22.1-79.3_1","dublin_core":{"Title":"Student cell phone and smart device possession and use policies; development and implementation","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 22.1-79.3:1","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

A.<\/span> As used in this section:\n\t\t\t“Bell to bell<\/span>” means after the first bell rings at the start of the school day to begin instructional time until the dismissal<\/span> bill rings at the end of the school day. “Bell to bell<\/span>” includes lunch and time in between class periods.\n\t\t\t“Smart device<\/span>” means any personal electronic device that can connect to the Internet and wirelessly collect, process, and transmit data, including smart watches and tablets. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

B.<\/span> Each school board<\/span> shall develop and each public elementary<\/span> and secondary school shall implement age-appropriate and developmentally appropriate policies relating to student cell phone and smart device<\/span> possession<\/span> and use on school property from bell to bell<\/span>. Such policies shall: <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> Except as provided in subdivision 4, restrict student cell phone and smart device<\/span> possession<\/span> and use on school property from bell to bell<\/span>; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> To the extent that student cell phone or smart device<\/span> possession<\/span> and use is otherwise permitted on school property before or after bell to bell<\/span>, regulate such possession<\/span> and use with the objective of reducing any distractions in or disruptions to the learning environment, including bullying and harassment; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

3.<\/span> Ensure that implementation and enforcement of such policies (i) is the responsibility of the school administration; (ii) minimizes, to the extent possible, any conflict with the instructional responsibilities of teachers or any disturbance to instructional time; and (iii) does not involve any school resource officer, as defined in § 9.1-101<\/a>, that may be employed in any school in the school division; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

4.<\/span> Permit any student, pursuant to an Individualized Education Plan, § 504 Plan, individualized health care plan, or Limited English Proficiency plan, to possess and use a cell phone or smart device<\/span> on school property, including in the classroom, from bell to bell<\/span> to monitor or address a health concern or as an accommodation or assistive technology support; and <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

5.<\/span> Expressly prohibit any student from being suspended or expelled as a consequence of any violation of such policies. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

C.<\/span> No violation of any student cell phone and smart device<\/span> possession<\/span> and use policy developed or implemented in accordance with subsection B shall alone constitute sufficient cause for a student’s suspension or expulsion from attendance at school pursuant to § 22.1-277<\/a>. Any violation of any such student cell phone and smart device<\/span> possession<\/span> and use policy that involves, coincides with, or results in an instance of disruptive behavior, as that term is defined in § 22.1-276.01<\/a>, shall be addressed in accordance with the regulations on codes of student conduct adopted by each school board<\/span> pursuant to subsection B of § 22.1-279.6<\/a>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nSTUDENT CELL PHONE AND SMART DEVICE POSSESSION AND USE POLICIES; DEVELOPMENT AND\nIMPLEMENTATION (\u00a7 22.1-79.3:1)\n\nA. As used in this section:\n\t\t\t“Bell to bell” means after the first bell rings at the start of\nthe school day to begin instructional time until the dismissal bill rings at the\nend of the school day. “Bell to bell” includes lunch and time in\nbetween class periods.\n\t\t\t“Smart device” means any personal electronic device that can\nconnect to the Internet and wirelessly collect, process, and transmit data,\nincluding smart watches and tablets.\n\nB. Each school board shall develop and each public elementary and secondary\nschool shall implement age-appropriate and developmentally appropriate policies\nrelating to student cell phone and smart device possession and use on school\nproperty from bell to bell. Such policies shall:\n\n 1. Except as provided in subdivision 4, restrict student cell phone and smart\n device possession and use on school property from bell to bell;\n\n 2. To the extent that student cell phone or smart device possession and use is\n otherwise permitted on school property before or after bell to bell, regulate\n such possession and use with the objective of reducing any distractions in or\n disruptions to the learning environment, including bullying and harassment;\n\n 3. Ensure that implementation and enforcement of such policies (i) is the\n responsibility of the school administration; (ii) minimizes, to the extent\n possible, any conflict with the instructional responsibilities of teachers or\n any disturbance to instructional time; and (iii) does not involve any school\n resource officer, as defined in § 9.1-101, that may be employed in any\n school in the school division;\n\n 4. Permit any student, pursuant to an Individualized Education Plan, §\n 504 Plan, individualized health care plan, or Limited English Proficiency\n plan, to possess and use a cell phone or smart device on school property,\n including in the classroom, from bell to bell to monitor or address a health\n concern or as an accommodation or assistive technology support; and\n\n 5. Expressly prohibit any student from being suspended or expelled as a\n consequence of any violation of such policies.\n\nC. No violation of any student cell phone and smart device possession and use\npolicy developed or implemented in accordance with subsection B shall alone\nconstitute sufficient cause for a student’s suspension or expulsion from\nattendance at school pursuant to § 22.1-277. Any violation of any such\nstudent cell phone and smart device possession and use policy that involves,\ncoincides with, or results in an instance of disruptive behavior, as that term\nis defined in § 22.1-276.01, shall be addressed in accordance with the\nregulations on codes of student conduct adopted by each school board pursuant to\nsubsection B of § 22.1-279.6.\n\nHISTORY: 2025, cc. 606, 644.","edition":{"id":1,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","date_created":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","date_modified":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","current":1,"order_by":1,"last_import":null}}