Governor Proposes Statewide Cellphone Ban in Schools

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  Governor Bob Ferguson announced a proposal to ban smartphones and smartwatches in Washington state K-12 schools“Governor Ferguson’s proposed “Away for the Day” policy will remove smart devices, including smartphones and smart watches, from the first to last bell in K-12 public schools in Washington state.”
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  The proposal will be implemented during school hours starting September 2027“Proposal will require personal smart devices to be “Away for the Day” in K-12 public schools in Washington state by Sept. 2027”
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  The policy would require devices to be 'Away for the Day' from the first to last bell“Governor Ferguson’s proposed “Away for the Day” policy will remove smart devices, including smartphones and smart watches, from the first to last bell in K-12 public schools in Washington state.”
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  The policy builds on existing practices like Pasco High School's current policy“Governor Ferguson’s proposal will build on policies like Pasco’s, creating a consistent, statewide policy.”
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  Governor Bob Ferguson cited studies showing teens spend about a quarter of school time on phones“Studies show teenagers spend, on average, roughly a quarter of their school day on their cellphones – more than 41 instructional days over the course of a school year.”
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  The studies indicate that teens' phone usage is equivalent to over 41 days annually“Studies show teenagers spend, on average, roughly a quarter of their school day on their cellphones – more than 41 instructional days over the course of a school year.”
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  Pasco School District leaders supported the proposal“"Adopting a consistent cell phone policy at our school has had a positive impact on teachers, discipline, and student interactions," said Pasco High School Principal Veronica Machado. "With one consistent expectation across the entire system, students know what is expected of them regardless of the classroom they are in. That consistency reduces distractions and allows teachers to spend less time addressing cellphone-related issues and more time focusing on instruction and building relationships. We’re also seeing positive impacts on student interactions: Students are talking, chatting, and interacting more naturally with their peers. We appreciate the Governor’s support and welcome a statewide policy."”
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  Pasco School District students supported the proposal“"Adopting a consistent cell phone policy at our school has had a positive impact on teachers, discipline, and student interactions," said Pasco High School Principal Veronica Machado. "With one consistent expectation across the entire system, students know what is expected of them regardless of the classroom they are in. That consistency reduces distractions and allows teachers to spend less time addressing cellphone-related issues and more time focusing on instruction and building relationships. We’re also seeing positive impacts on student interactions: Students are talking, chatting, and interacting more naturally with their peers. We appreciate the Governor’s support and welcome a statewide policy."”
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  Pasco School District leaders noted reduced distractions after implementing similar rules“"Adopting a consistent cell phone policy at our school has had a positive impact on teachers, discipline, and student interactions," said Pasco High School Principal Veronica Machado. "With one consistent expectation across the entire system, students know what is expected of them regardless of the classroom they are in. That consistency reduces distractions and allows teachers to spend less time addressing cellphone-related issues and more time focusing on instruction and building relationships. We’re also seeing positive impacts on student interactions: Students are talking, chatting, and interacting more naturally with their peers. We appreciate the Governor’s support and welcome a statewide policy."”
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  Pasco School District leaders noted improved student engagement after implementing similar rules“"Adopting a consistent cell phone policy at our school has had a positive impact on teachers, discipline, and student interactions," said Pasco High School Principal Veronica Machado. "With one consistent expectation across the entire system, students know what is expected of them regardless of the classroom they are in. That consistency reduces distractions and allows teachers to spend less time addressing cellphone-related issues and more time focusing on instruction and building relationships. We’re also seeing positive impacts on student interactions: Students are talking, chatting, and interacting more naturally with their peers. We appreciate the Governor’s support and welcome a statewide policy."”
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  The state legislature will consider the proposal during the upcoming session“Governor Ferguson held an event in Pasco to discuss a top legislative priority for the upcoming session: Banning cellphones in schools statewide during school hours.”