The Virginia Department of Education will release new guidelines Thursday to create cellphone-free zones in the state’s schools, in response to an executive order from Gov. Glenn Youngkin, who directed the department to develop a plan to ban cellphone use in public schools in grades K-12.

Many schools in Virginia already have policies restricting cell phone use. Most elementary and middle schools require students to put their cell phones away throughout the day, but there are exceptions for emergencies or when a student has a doctor’s note. In high schools, on the other hand, students are usually allowed to use their cell phones during lunch, between classes, and before and after school, but not during class time.

In Roanoke County, district leaders recently decided to reinforce this approach by completely banning cell phone use during class. Teachers in the district are no longer allowed to allow students to use phones during class. Roanoke City Public Schools has also implemented strict rules prohibiting elementary and middle school students from using phones. High school students are only allowed to use them between classes and during lunch.

Montgomery County schools have implemented similar policies this year.

10 News has a list of activities from other school districts in Southwest Virginia.

School divisions said there are consequences for students who violate cell phone policies. Penalties range from warnings to confiscation of their devices for the day. More serious violations can result in expulsion or suspension from school, as well as discussions with students’ parents.