Henrico County Schools Resist Statewide Phone Ban Amid Student Concerns

HENRICO COUNTY, Va. — As Virginia school divisions implement stricter phone policies, Henrico County Public Schools (HCPS) has opted to maintain its current rules, diverging from the state-recommended “bell-to-bell” phone ban. While districts like Richmond City and Hanover County have adopted the policy, which prohibits students from using phones from the first bell until dismissal, Henrico continues to allow phone use between classes and at lunch.

HCPS requires middle and high school students to store phones during class in division-provided pouches, lockboxes, or backpacks. The policy, introduced at the start of the 2024-2025 school year, will be reviewed this spring alongside the district’s Code of Student Conduct, according to school officials.

Students have expressed mixed feelings about the policy. Richard, a junior at Highland Springs High, acknowledged the benefits of reduced distractions but voiced concerns about emergency communication. “It feels wrong not being able to have something that you can connect to your parents at any time,” he said. “If it’s something really pressing, they would want to get to you first.”

Others, like Kevonte, a sophomore at Henrico High School, emphasized the role of phones in managing stress. “Some kids use their phones just to listen to music to kind of help calm down,” he said. Makyi, a senior at Highland Springs High, echoed this sentiment, stating, “We all need our phones, like when we’re having a hard day.”

Despite these concerns, some students have observed positive outcomes. Ashley, a Highland Springs High student, noted a decline in school fights since the policy took effect in August. “We haven’t really had any fights since people don’t have their phones,” she said. “With the phones, people will be talking on the internet and gossiping.”

Enforcement of the policy varies by teacher, students reported. Ashley noted that upperclassmen often receive more leniency, while freshmen and sophomores face stricter rules. D’quan, a sophomore, said some teachers allow music during class but crack down on phone use when students refuse to comply. “Teachers try to enforce it,” he said. “Some are strict, and some don’t care.”

An anonymous Henrico High senior described their teachers as “very chill” about the policy, allowing phones at the beginning and end of class. However, they admitted the device’s distracting influence. “My grades would probably be better if I didn’t have my phone in school,” they said. “But I need my phone, you know. It’s my phone.”

As Henrico County prepares to review its phone policy, the debate over balancing student safety, mental health, and academic focus continues to unfold.