FREDERICKSBURG, Va. — Congressman Eugene Vindman hosted a roundtable in Fredericksburg with local stakeholders — including parents, educators, and local elected officials — to discuss the growing movement and need to get cell phones out of the classroom. The event focused on success stories from schools that have implemented this policy in school districts across Virginia.
Vindman was joined by Fredericksburg Mayor Kerry Devine, Delegate Josh Cole, Fredericksburg City Schools Superintendent Dr. Marci Catlett, Stafford Public Schools Executive Director of High School Leadership Dr. Marcie Robertson, Rappahannock Area Health District Director Dr. Olugbenga Obasanjo, University of Mary Washington Dean of the College of Education Dr. Peter Kelly, and other local leaders in education and public health committed to unplugging and creating a more focused, healthy learning environment for students.
“I know how hard it can be to unplug — but the results speak for themselves. Across the Seventh District, schools are seeing real benefits from keeping phones out of the classroom: more conversation between students, less social anxiety, longer attention spans, and even higher attendance,” said Vindman. “These results are exactly why I’m working with stakeholders to explore how we can take Virginia’s success and help improve student outcomes nationwide — because once again, our local leaders in the District and Commonwealth are leading the way.”
Attendees shared how both Fredericksburg and Stafford school systems have rolled out effective phone-free classroom policies, thanks in part to robust education campaigns for students and families. One common method used is the distribution of lockable pouches that secure student phones during the school day while allowing them to remain in backpacks or lockers. Phones are locked at the start of the day and unlocked before dismissal.
One of the most encouraging moments of the roundtable came when Superintendent Catlett shared a story about a high school student who, just a week after the new policy took effect, quietly said to her in the hallway, “You all got it right this time.”
Following the event, Vindman thanked all the participants for their leadership and pledged to continue supporting local educators in their efforts to prioritize student well-being.
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