How do the VDOE guidelines on mobile phones work in school emergencies?

The Virginia Department of Education’s cell phone guidelines and Youngkin’s Executive Order 33 call for a cell phone-free education.

It states that students in elementary, middle and high schools will be required to turn off and put away their cell phones during school hours. This could mean keeping their phones in lockers or backpacks.

But the guidelines don’t address one important element: What if there’s a crime or a threat from the school? How will students be able to contact their parents without access to their phones?

Watch: Concerns and questions arise ahead of Virginia Department of Education’s final cellphone guidelines

Concerns and questions arise ahead of VDOE’s final mobile phone guidelines

In a statement, Youngkin’s spokesperson said, among other things:

“The Governor has told parents that nothing is more important than the safety of our students and, as he has done since his first day in office, he will always listen to parents’ concerns when it comes to their children. As the Administration has been developing guidelines for cellphone-free education, we have heard from parents and students about the importance of emergency communication. The draft guidelines require school districts to establish policies for communicating and notifying parents in emergency situations.”

A York County student was recently arrested and charged with threatening to shoot up a school.

A week ago, there was a school shooting in Georgia in which a high school student shot and killed two teenagers and two teachers.

Watch: Here are VDOE’s proposed guidelines for cell phone use in K-12 public schools

VDOE publishes proposed rules for the use of mobile phones at school

“The impact of school shootings is making our schools less safe. It creates an environment of fear and trauma,” said Dr. Sarah Williams, a psychotherapist.

So how could students contact their parents in an emergency, using guidance from the Department of Education and Governor Youngkin’s Executive Order?

Hampton Roads school district officials say they have implemented a rapid notification system that will allow parents to call or send a text message in the event of an emergency.

News 3’s Leondra Head asked parents what they think about this method of communication.

Watch: Gov. Youngkin Wants Public School Classes to Be ‘Phone-Free.’ What Are the Current Rules in Hampton Roads?

Let’s look at local school policies in the wake of Youngkin’s push for ‘phone-free’ classrooms

“I’d rather my child have a cell phone. It’s disruptive in class, but I’d like him to be able to contact me if there was a real problem. I’ve had family members who were locked in school and couldn’t contact their parents,” said Megan Williams, a parent from Hampton Roads.

“I understand what he’s getting at. But if there’s a situation where the school can’t get to us on time, parents are going to be concerned,” said another Hampton Roads resident.

Dr. James Graves, a Newport News High School teacher, says Newport News high school students are required to put their phones away during school hours.

Watch: Youngkin Aims for Cellphone-Free Education in Virginia Public School Classrooms

Youngkin aims to bring cellphone-free education to Virginia public school classrooms

But if a threat or emergency situation arises at the school, a closure procedure is implemented.

“If students have a problem calling their parents, I’m not going to worry about that. I’m trying to keep myself and the students alive,” Williams said.

On September 16, the Virginia Department of Education is set to release final guidance for education departments aimed at removing cellphones from students during school hours.