Ninety-seven percent of teens and preteens were recorded to have been using their phones during the school day for a median of 43 minutes, primarily on social media, according to Common Sense Media. Governor Youngkin passed Executive Order 33, a statewide policy that restricts cellphone use at school, on July 9. According to FCPS, the new law restricting phones will assist  in providing students an education with fewer distractions, more face-to-face interaction with peers, and an environment to develop independent problem-solving skills

Following the law, FCPS has implemented a countywide “experiment.” Middle and high schools were separated into either control or pilot groups. At schools within the pilot group, such as Westfield High School and McLean High School, students were given a magnetic pouch to put their phone in and it must remain in the pouch throughout the whole school day. Bluetooth earphones must be added to the pouches and smartwatches need to be in airplane mode. 

On the other hand, schools within the control group, such as CHS, have a different mode of putting phones away. Students are required to put their phones in their bags during classes but are allowed to use them during passing periods. However, if a student is seen with a phone out during class by an administrator or teacher, they will face consequences.