WASHINGTON, D.C. – April 30, 2026 – Leading child safety and well-being organizations, The Anxious Generation Movement, Smartphone Free Childhood US, Institute for Families and Technology, and Becca Schmill Foundation, announced today that Virginia’s new law maintains the state’s “B” grade on the Phone-Free Schools State Report Card.
SB 108, sponsored by Sen. Stella Pekarsky (D-VA), strengthens the existing state policy by upgrading the language from “restrict” to “prohibit” personal electronic device use for the entire school day. The new law also codifies additional medical exceptions, specifically diabetes medical management. Virginia remains at a “B” grade as the new law does not mandate that phones must be stored in inaccessible locations during the school day.
“Virginia’s efforts are an encouraging sign that phone-free schools laws remain a legislative priority for state policymakers,” said Emily Rapp, director of public policy for the Institute for Families and Technology. “We want to thank Sen. Pekarsky for her leadership in building on the existing statewide policy by strengthening the language from “restrict” to “prohibit” use of cell phones and smart devices from bell-to-bell.”
“Amid growing momentum nationwide, Virginia is exhibiting how states can strengthen their existing laws to ensure every student has a healthier, more focused learning environment,” said Deb Schmill, founder of the Becca Schmill Foundation.
Under the Report Card’s criteria, an “A” grade is awarded when legislation requires all personal electronic devices to be stored in secure, inaccessible locations from bell-to-bell. Bell-to-bell policies are proven to enhance academic performance, improve students’ mental and physical health, increase teacher satisfaction, protect student safety and privacy, and deepen school community relationships.
More information about Virginia’s grade can be found here.
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About the Phone-Free Schools State Report Card
Launched in 2026, the Phone-Free Schools State Report Card is published by leading child safety and well-being organizations, including The Anxious Generation Movement, Smartphone Free Childhood US, Institute for Families and Technology, and Becca Schmill Foundation. The report evaluates whether the laws in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. meet the gold standard for phone-free schools: policies requiring all students to store their personal electronic devices in secure, inaccessible locations for the entire school day (bell-to-bell).