The existing Chesterfield County phone policy poses an unnecessary barrier to the practical and opportunistic use of mobile devices in the school environment. While we understand the need to prevent distractions during class, the policy should also recognize the importance of phones for certain critical functions.
Students often need immediate access to their phones to check updates about clubs, sports events, or any other sudden schedule changes which need to be communicated. Not allowing access even during non-instructional times such as lunches and hallway transitions can create obstacles to smooth communication. Furthermore, for subjects like journalism and yearbook, phones are an essential tool for photo and video creation.
Given these factors, we recommend a amendment to the policy which allows the use of phones during non-instructional periods and for selected academic purposes. We believe this would strike a balance between maintaining focus during class time and catering to the legitimate needs of students, encouraging them to use their devices responsibly and to their advantage. Sign this petition if you too believe in facilitating this necessary change towards a comprehensive, future-oriented policy.

The governor's Executive Order 33 Clause 4 asks that each county, "Publish draft guidance for public school divisions to adopt policies and procedures establishing cell phone-free education, through the restriction or elimination of cell phone use during instructional time." Use in the hallways and during lunch will in no way negatively affect instructional time or the education of the student body. By allowing phones to be used at reasonable times, like lunch and passing, there will be no defiance of Governor Youngkin's executive order, and there will be no adverse effects to the quality education of anyone.