Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek issued a new executive order that mandates all schools across the state to implement a ban on cell phones during school hours.
The order gives the state's 197 public schools a deadline of Oct. 31, 2025, to create new policy that will prohibit students from using cell phones for the entire school day. This means that they will no longer be able to use their devices during lunch or in between periods.
Oregon Executive Order Banning Use of Cell Phones in Schools
This marks a significant change, particularly for many high school students in Oregon, who have already become used to less strict policies. The governor's executive order makes the state the 27th in the country to regulate the use of devices by students during school hours.
The movement began after widespread concern regarding the academic distractions and mental health impacts of children's constant exposure to social media. A bipartisan group of state lawmakers also supported legislation that would have codified Oregon's stance on device use at school into law, according to Oregon Live.
Read more: Ohio Gov. Calls for Cellphone Ban in Schools, Sparking Parents' Concerns About Student Safety
However, when that piece of legislation passed the House, it fell apart in the Senate Education Committee. That was because there were concerns that the proposal was too prescriptive and would cost too much, particularly for strapped school districts, to implement without any accompanying funding.
Some lawmakers intimated at the time that the bill's backers refused to compromise in order to alleviate those particular concerns. On Wednesday, Gov. Kotek said that she felt motivated by the need to "stand up for the promise of every student in every corner of the state."
Concerns About Consequences on Students
Talking about the executive order, the governor said that schools in Oregon should be a place where students find belonging, support, and the joy of learning. However, she argued that research showed the use of cell phones can create a trifecta of consequences for kids, the Oregon Capital Chronicle reported.
Opponents of the school include some school district leaders, who argue that local schools should be allowed to set their own limits on the use of cell phones. They also expressed concern that the bill would only create a mandate that schools do not have the resources to enforce.
To note, Yondr pouches, which are used to store devices and are used in institutions such as Grant High School in Portland, can cost $25 to $30 for every student. Some parents also expressed concern that the ban would prevent them from being able to contact their kids in case of an emergency, as per OPB.
