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Governor Bob Ferguson announced a proposal to ban smartphones and smart watches in all Washington K-12 public schools during school hours“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 effective September 2027“Proposal will require personal smart devices to be “Away for the Day” in K-12 public schools in Washington state by Sept. 2027PASCO — Today Governor Bob Ferguson held an event in Pasco to discuss a top legislative priority for the upcoming session: Banning cellphones in schools statewide during school hours.”
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The policy, called 'Away for the Day,' would remove devices 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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Ferguson made the announcement at Pasco High School“Governor Ferguson was joined by school district leaders, students and teachers at Pasco High School to talk about his proposal.”
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The Pasco School District already prohibits phone use during instruction“Pasco High School currently does not allow student cell phone use during instructional time.”
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Pasco School District Superintendent Michelle Whitney praised the move“"Reducing the distraction of cell phones helps our students engage with peers and focus on what they came to school to do – learn, grow and connect," said Pasco School District Superintendent Michelle Whitney. "We appreciate the Governor bringing attention to this important issue and creating an opportunity to hear directly from the people who experience it every day."”
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Pasco School District Principal Veronica Machado praised the move“"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 move was cited as improving student engagement“"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 move was cited as reducing classroom disruptions“"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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A Pasco High senior supported the policy“"I think high school is a time when young people are trying to discover who we are," said Pasco High School Senior Tais Borge. "How are we supposed to discover who we are if we are not paying attention to our surroundings because we are trapped in a digital world? When I came here as a new student, it was easy to pretend I was busy on my phone instead of engaging with people. When I had the courage to put my phone down, I grew as a person, connected with my teachers, and my friends, who motivate me and give me new ways of thinking. I’m very excited to see the positive result this policy can bring to our state."”
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A teacher supported the policy“"There were some growing pains when we first adopted the policy, but it became clear very quickly how much more engaged our students were. We were no longer having to fight with students to put their phones away and participate in the classroom," Gabriela Whitemarsh, Pasco High School teacher and 2026 Teacher of the Year.”
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The policy was noted as improving peer interactions“"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.”
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The policy was noted as improving focus on learning“"Reducing the distraction of cell phones helps our students engage with peers and focus on what they came to school to do – learn, grow and connect," said Pasco School District Superintendent Michelle Whitney.”
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The proposal follows a June announcement“Governor Ferguson announced the policy proposal in June.”
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The proposal aligns with Pas,co's current policy“Pasco High School currently does not allow student cell phone use during instructional time. Governor Ferguson’s proposal will build on policies like Pasco’s, creating a consistent, statewide policy.”
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Washington schools will need to adopt consistent rules by September 2027“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. He announced the policy proposal in June.”
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The governor's office did not specify if the policy will require funding for schools to implement itNo usable supporting receipt — unverified.