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Virginia school districts are heading into a transformative year. With new state legislation and continued funding initiatives shaping everything from device usage to mental health infrastructure, K-12 leaders across the state are facing an evolving set of responsibilities. The 2025-26 school year won’t just be about keeping up – it’ll be about planning ahead, building compliance into every layer of operations, and keeping students safe, supported, and connected in line with Virginia school policy.
Whether you’re part of a large urban district or a smaller suburban system, Virginia’s latest policy changes are designed to impact how schools manage technology, protect student data, and deliver equitable support services. For district leaders, the key will be balancing compliance with practicality, and finding ways to implement new policies in a manner that’s both scalable and student-first.
What’s Changing for Virginia School Policy in 2025-26?
Cell Phone Bans: HB 1961 (Enacted)
Virginia now requires schools to adopt age-appropriate, bell-to-bell device policies. These policies must restrict student phone and smart device use during school hours while avoiding punitive discipline. Accommodations are mandatory for students with medical or special education needs. Districts should finalize device guidelines and communicate them clearly to staff and families before Fall 2025.
Student Data Privacy & Protection: HB 1486 (Enacted)
This new law strengthens student privacy on school-issued devices and edtech platforms. It bans targeted advertising, profiling, and unauthorized data use, while requiring parental consent, secure deletion, and access to personal information. Districts must ensure vendor contracts are compliant and systems are in place for data access and correction.
Internet Safety & Cyberbullying: SB 905 & SB 908 (Enacted)
Virginia has expanded internet safety legislation. SB 905 established an Internet Safety Advisory Council, while SB 908 mandates updates to student conduct codes to address off-campus cyberbullying, requires 24-hour parent notification, and ensures student support access. Districts should use the Council’s model resources and update staff protocols accordingly.
Technology-Based School Safety: HB 561 & HB 2679 (Enacted)
HB 561 expands annual safety audits to include law enforcement-led walkthroughs and crime prevention strategies, while HB 2679 strengthens threat assessment procedures and requires immediate parent notification. These mandates raise the bar for emergency preparedness and multi-agency coordination, even though no specific funding was attached.
Mental Health Technology Services: HB 919 & SB 1037 (Enacted)
Virginia has authorized on-campus teletherapy partnerships through a new model MOU framework. Schools must offer equitable, stigma-free access to services and align with state-approved provider criteria. Funding includes $30M in SBMH grants and up to $3M per district in federal aid.
Parental Rights & Technology Oversight: HB 2055 & HB 2774 (Enacted)
These new laws mandate immediate parent notification in cases of suicide risk or suspected overdose and require the distribution of prevention materials. Districts should ensure staff are trained to recognize warning signs and that communication protocols are updated accordingly.
Download the 2025-26 School Readiness Guide
To help district and school leaders stay ahead of these shifts, we’ve created the 2025-26 School Readiness Guide: a national resource designed to help K-12 decision-makers align their practices with the latest legislation, safety mandates, and student wellness priorities.
The guide includes six key focus areas:
- Cell phone bans & digital distractions
- Student data privacy & vendor accountability
- Campus & physical safety
- Online safety & digital wellbeing
- Responsible AI readiness & usage
- Community-centered student support
Each section includes a clear checklist and action items to follow, making the guide easy to reference and implement.
You can download the guide for free here.
Further K-12 Guidance & Support is Just a Click Away
At Securly, we’re proud to support 713,276 students across 232 schools and districts in Virginia. From Loudon County, Virginia Beach, and Henrico County, to Chesapeake, Alexandria, and Roanoke, we’re honored to partner with districts across the Commonwealth.
Whether you’re responding to new policy, evaluating your safety and wellness tools, or looking for expert support, our team is always here to support you along the way.
To learn more about Securly, visit our website.
For regularly updated Virginia school policy information, bookmark the hub.
To discuss your school and its needs for 2025-26 with one of our experts, schedule a call.
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