Oregon House votes to limit smartphones in statewide classroom ‘culture-shift'
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – Oregon lawmakers want to limit online distractions in classrooms by banning smartphone use in schools, and a bill that passed the Oregon House on Tuesday will do just that.
requires each school district in the state to adopt a policy that prohibits students from using any personal electronic devices like cell phones. However, the bill will allow each district to decide how to implement this policy, such as with magnetized pouches or an 'off and away' system that requires students to turn off their devices and store them in their backpacks.
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The bill passed with bipartisan support on Tuesday and is set to make its way to the Oregon Senate for its next review. There, it will be championed by Sen. Lisa Reynolds (D-Portland), a former pediatrician who says smartphones have a negative impact on student health.
'As we discuss our largest ever school budget, I fear we keep one hand tied behind our students' and teachers' backs with the distraction of cell phones and their mental health impacts,' Dr. Reynolds said. 'This is a chance to create a culture shift in our schools, make a positive impact on students' learning and brain development, and make our lunchrooms loud again with community and conversation.'
If passed, Oregon will become one of 17 other states — including California and Idaho — that have taken measures to limit smartphone use in class. Rep. Kim Wallan (R-Medford), who introduced the bill, said she will be proud when Oregon joins the list.
'I find it notable that no state that has curbed phone use in schools has reversed course,' Wallan said. 'I'm confident that this legislation will improve outcomes for Oregon's students and teachers.'
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Some school districts in Oregon have already instituted their own cell phone ban policies. Earlier this year, Portland Public Schools adopted its new , which requires students to turn off their phone and keep them off throughout the school day.
PPS board member Patte Sullivan said in a that the district chose to implement the policy after receiving complaints from teachers of cell phone distractions in the classroom interfering with their lessons.
'We started this because teachers came to us, and they were so frustrated,' Sullivan said. 'There were teachers who were trying to keep cell phones out of the classroom. It wasn't working, and they said, 'Please make a policy so we can teach, so we don't have to spend our whole time telling people to put away their cell phones.' I've listened and listened. I've seen really good arguments, but I still think for the sake of the education of all of our children, we need to get cell phones out of the classroom.'
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The state law will provide exemptions for students who require personal laptops or iPads for school as well as others who carry devices that are medically necessary.
Legislators said the evidence shows that districts who limit their students' cell phone use 'have seen improvements in behavior, attendance, and academic performance.'
'We have to improve outcomes for Oregon students,' said Rep. April Dobson (D-Happy Valley/N Clackamas County). 'Our teachers shouldn't have to compete with trillion-dollar tech companies and the most advanced social media algorithms for students' attention in the classroom.'
Stay with KOIN 6 News as we continue to follow this legislation.
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