NNPS Cell Phone Policy
In order to comply with state law, starting November 5, 2025, Newport News Public Schools students will not be allowed to use cell phones from the start of the school day to the end of the day, including during lunch and transition periods between classes.
NNPS supports cell phone-free education by ensuring that the use of cell phones and personal electronic communication devices does not interfere with teaching and learning or with maintaining a safe and orderly environment during the school day. Our policy restricts the use of cell phones and personal electronic devices from the opening bell to dismissal bell in elementary, middle and high schools.
The difference from last year’s policy will be that high school students will not be allowed to use their cell phones during their lunch periods. The policy will be enforced at all schools within the division.
Students must keep phones off and put away from the first bell to the last, with exceptions only for medical needs or emergencies. The goal is to reduce distractions, improve academic focus, encourage positive social interaction, and create a safer school environment.
Elementary students with cell phones should keep them off, and out of sight, during regular school hours and during after-school activities. Middle and high school students are permitted to have and use cell phones or two-way communication devices after school dismissal on school board property.
Consequences for students who violate the cell phone policy will follow the NNPS Student Code of Conduct and may include warnings, parent contact or disciplinary action. Repeated violations may result in a level 2 disciplinary response.
Basic Definitions
“Cell Phone” means a personal device capable of making calls, transmitting pictures or video, or sending or receiving messages through electronic means. The definition of cell phone is inclusive of a non-smartphone that is limited to making phone calls or text messages, a smartphone that encompasses the above features, and other future personal electronic communication devices with the above-mentioned characteristics.
"Personal Electronic Communication Devices" means any personal device capable of connecting to a smartphone, the internet, or a cellular or Wi-Fi network. Personal electronic communication devices may include wearable devices such as smartwatches, as well as personal headphones, earbuds, laptops, tablets, and other future electronic communication devices with the above-mentioned characteristics.
Frequently Asked Questions
Beginning July 1, 2025, Virginia law (§ 22.1-79.3:1) requires all public schools to be cell phone-free during the school day ("bell-to-bell"), meaning students must keep phones off and put away from the first bell to the last, with exceptions only for medical needs or emergencies. The goal is to reduce distractions, improve academic focus, encourage positive social interaction, and create a safer school environment.
Students are not permitted to use their phones from the first bell of the school day until the final dismissal bell.
The policy applies to all NNPS schools.
Elementary students with cell phones should keep them off, and out of sight, during regular school hours and after-school activities. Middle and high school students are permitted to have and use cell phones or two-way communication devices after school dismissal on school board property.
No. The policy is bell-to-bell, which means no phone use during instructional hours, including lunch and transitions.
Any device that connects to a phone or can send/receive messages is included in the policy and should also be off and put away.
Parents/guardians should contact the school’s main office, and school staff will ensure the student gets the message.
Students may request to use a school office phone in urgent situations.
Student and staff safety remains our top priority. NNPS has emergency protocols in place, and staff will direct communication. Phones are not needed for student safety responses.
Consequences will follow the NNPS Student Code of Conduct and may include warnings, parent contact, or disciplinary action. Repeated violations may result in a level 2 disciplinary response.
Schools will provide clear expectations, reminders, and supportive resources for students and families to make the transition smooth.
Families can help by:
- Talking with students about the importance of the law and policy and the expectations of the school division.
- Encouraging and expecting students to keep phones off and stored away during the day.
- Supporting school staff as they implement the policy consistently.
