Roanoke County Public Schools confirms zero tolerance approach to unauthorized mobile device use
Roanoke, Virginia – As the 2025–2026 school year begins, Roanoke County Public Schools are reminding families about the district’s comprehensive mobile device policy, designed to keep students focused on learning during instructional time. The policy applies to smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches, and is enforced differently depending on grade level.
Rules for Elementary, Middle, and High School Students
For elementary and middle school students, personal mobile devices must remain completely off or in airplane mode from the start of the school day until dismissal. Devices must be kept out of sight and stored in a personal bag such as a backpack. In addition, elementary students are not permitted to use personal devices on school buses in the morning or afternoon.
For high school students, devices must be turned off and stored away—not on the student’s person—during all instructional time. Cell phones may only be used before and after school, during class changes, and at lunch.
The district has made clear that “This policy will be strictly enforced and there will be no warnings — consequences will be applied starting with the first offense.”
Consequences for Violations
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First offense – Student surrenders the device to the teacher, who returns it at the end of class. The student is assigned one day of after-school detention or silent lunch, and the parent or guardian is notified.
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Second offense – Office referral is made. Device privileges are suspended for five school days, with the device checked in and out at the main office daily. The student receives one day of after-school detention or silent lunch, and the parent or guardian is notified.
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Third offense – Office referral. Device privileges suspended for ten school days, with check-in/check-out required at the main office. Student receives detention or silent lunch, and the parent or guardian is notified.
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Fourth offense – Office referral. Privileges suspended for the remainder of the semester (minimum of 30 days). Check-in/check-out required at the main office. Detention or silent lunch assigned, and a required parent conference scheduled.
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Fifth offense – Office referral. Privileges suspended for the rest of the school year. Check-in/check-out at the main office continues, and detention or silent lunch is assigned. Parent or guardian is notified.
Purpose and Enforcement
The School Board emphasizes that the policy aims to minimize classroom distractions and maintain a productive learning environment. By clearly defining rules, limiting device usage, and applying consistent consequences, the district seeks to ensure that instructional time is protected.
Parents and students are encouraged to review the full policy, listed as Policy 6.42a Student Use of Personal Mobile Devices, to fully understand the expectations and procedures for the upcoming academic year.
