Sen. Pekarski’s bell-to-bell phone ban advances from House education committee after public testimony

The House Committee on Education voted 18–1 to report Senate Bill 108 with substitute after a hearing in which sponsor Sen. Pekarski and multiple education advocates defended a “bell-to-bell” ban on student phone use during the school day. Sen. Pekarski said the bill codifies an existing executive order and its intent: “there would be a bell to bell ban on phone usage in our schools,” and she told the committee the change has produced “growing, positive, impact” in districts that have implemented it.

Supporters, including Emily Webb of Advantage Strategies, who said she was representing Alexandria City and Norfolk public schools, told the committee the substitute tightens language so possession is not banned but usage during instructional time is: “That is the current policy of both Alexandria City and Norfolk City Schools,” Webb said, and urged the committee to adopt the revised language. Chad Stewart of the Virginia Education Association said teachers have reported “only positive feedback” and described the proposal as “one more layer” to help students focus.

A Fairfax County school board member who identified herself as Melanie Merrim said her division moved to keep phones away in 2022 and reported improved interpersonal connections and fewer discipline referrals. A parent and health care professional speaking in support said persuasive design in smartphones undermines learning and that “prohibiting access to phones during the entire school day frees the space for…face-to-face interaction.”

Committee members pressed the sponsor on enforcement and local variation. Delegate Converse Fowler said one‑lunch schedules pose practical enforcement challenges in some districts; Sen. Pekarski acknowledged initial implementation bumps but argued schools adjust and students acclimate. Delegate Bulova asked whether local school boards should have leeway to permit phone use during lunch; Sen. Pekarski declined that change, saying parents from districts frustrated by local noncompliance pushed her to seek a clearer statewide standard.

Delegate Garrett said he would vote for the bill but called it “redundant virtue signaling,” arguing that many localities already have similar policies. The committee nonetheless approved the substitute and reported SB108 to the next stage by an 18–1 vote.

The bill’s next procedural step is to move from the committee report to the clerk’s process for further consideration in the General Assembly.