 Virginia, latest state to bar smartphones in school over mental health concerns. Governor Glenn Youngkin has signed an executive order directing the state's Department of Education to draft guidance for how to establish a cell phone-free education. The order cites rising rates of depression and suicide in adolescents. The guidance is set to be adopted January 1st. Virginia joins Florida, New York City, and Los Angeles County schools in moving to ban phones. Mike Dabosky, ABC News.