‘Alarming Mental Health Crisis’: Red State Gov Cracks Down On Cell Phones In Classrooms With Executive Order

Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin issued an executive order on Tuesday to establish cell phone-free 🎓Education for Virginia’s K-12 public schools.

Youngkin issued Executive Order 33, which directs the Virginia Department of 🎓Education (VDOE) to engage with parents, students, teachers and local school leaders to restrict or eliminate the use of personal cell phones during instruction, according to a press release. The order will initiate the creation of specific protocols allowing parents to contact their children in the case of an emergency or other important situation.

Parents and educators have raised concern over the “alarming mental health crisis and chronic health conditions affecting adolescents” as a result of excessive social media use and cell phone possession in children, according to the executive order.

“This essential action will promote a healthier and more focused educational environment where every child is free to learn. Creating cell phone and social media-free educational environments in Virginia’s K-12 🎓Education system will benefit students, parents, and educators,” Youngkin said in a press release.