VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) -- A boost to better learning, a block to connecting with their child -- that's how some parents see Gov. Glenn Youngkin's new executive order to ban cell phones from Virginia classrooms that takes effect Jan. 1. Virginia Department of Education releases cell phone-free policy 10 On Your Side attended the first two of three informational sessions run by Virginia Beach Superintendent Dr. Donald Robertson. While the executive order provides the baseline restrictions on the use of phones, known as bell-to-bell, individual school divisions can tailor their policies as long as they meet the state minimums. Youngkin's directive bans cell phones, smart watches and earbuds. Students will be able to carry them in their backpacks, but cannot use them at any time from the beginning of classes until the final bell of the day. VBCPS holds 1st of 3 no-phone policy sessions at Kempsville High School How times have changed.Seventeen years ago, when Robertson was a rising administrator in Hampton Roads' largest school division, he was lobbying the school board in favor of cell phones in the classroom. "It made sense then, because we didn't have Internet access," he said, adding that it helped science students share class materials in particular. And then came ever-present and all-consuming social media. "In high school, they had gotten to the point where kids were on their phones all the time and it was impacting their ability to focus in the classroom," Robertson said. Robertson cited two key data points from research: 97% of students use cell phones and 72% of teachers say those students are distracted as a result. VBCPS discusses cell phone policy day after governor issues executive order "And then it takes time for them to get re-focused once they lose that focus," said Teresa Carr, parent of an 11th-grader at Bayside High School's Health Sciences Academy. "I think this [cell phone ban] will definitely help them." And the cell phones are not just a distraction. Experts mention cell phones in connection to sleep deprivation, mood disorders, bullying and intimidation. "I can see that," said Claudia Martin, whose son attends First Colonial High School, but adds he's never been the target of a social media attack. She was at Wednesday night's informational session at Princess Anne High School. "When kids don't see other kids and see their suffering, I feel bad for the kids that do go through that." Educators, parents weigh in on Virginia’s proposed cell-phone free classrooms Sometimes it's more than just a gut punch to another student's self esteem. "A child recording a fight or altercation at school, and then that's posted on social media, I've seen that before," said Latanya King, mother of a student at Green Run High School. "Some students use it for nefarious reasons to just completely demean others," Robertson said. "And it absolutely has a negative impact on teaching and learning." He says social media gives too much cover to the agitator. "There's no risk to say something mean over a device," Robertson said. "And, you know, we all know that teenagers have impulses." Robertson is suggesting that parents model cell phone-free behavior by scheduling time at home without phones, trying a game at home to see who can go the longest without their phone, and scheduling days before Jan. 1 to leave the phone at home. When asked if Robertson felt those suggestions were realistic given that parents can be just as addicted to phones as their children, he responded, "I think it's a start. In some families, they're probably already doing it. In other families, maybe they were thinking about a starting point." Carr said that parents rely on cell phones, also, so they have to be the ones to set the example. "You need to show them that that phone is not as important as they think it is," Carr said. Aside from social media, what will happen when parents have an urgent need to reach their kids in class? Robertson suggests they go old school and call or email the school. That's not an effective alternative, say some parents. "In a situation like that I'd like to be able call him -- are you OK," King said. And some parents are concerned about students getting daily school updates. "The sponsors and teachers use Remind, GroupMe, these are all apps that the kids use on their cell for immediate information," Martin said. But the several parents who spoke with 10 On Your Side agree with the new policy and will benefit their children. "I think it'll be a good adjustment and allow him to focus better on his academics and not so much social media," King said. Virginia Beach will hold one more informational session at 6 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 30 at Kellam High School. Check with your local school division for similar sessions. 10 On Your Side will follow closely the final rules on the use of devices as they get adopted.