Oregon Lawmakers Push to Ban Cell Phones in Schools with Off-and-Away-All-Day Bill
As many states grapple with cell phone use in schools, a bipartisan group of lawmakers has advocated for a bill—House Bill 2251—to restrict cell phone use in schools across Oregon.
Source: Oregon Blue Book / Public education overview
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Oregon House Bill 2251, a bill seeking to ban student cellphone use in schools, was under consideration in the House Committee on Education last week. Public testimony was heard as lawmakers pushed for an “off and away all day” approach.
The original proposal mandates schools to limit device usage during school hours.
Source: NCES School Pulse Panel press release / Feb 19 2025
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Still, a proposed amendment would limit the restriction to instructional hours only, allowing students to use their phones during lunch, passing periods, and recess. However, cell phones would be accessible to all students in emergencies.
| Topic | What readers should know |
|---|---|
| Who is covered | Adults 18 to 64 without kids under 14 in the SNAP household are the main group targeted by the federal work rule change. |
| What the bill would require | Districts must adopt a student personal device policy, including consequences for noncompliance, with local enforcement details set by each district. |
| All day vs class time | The bill discussion includes a stricter all day approach and a looser instructional hours only approach where lunch and passing time could be allowed. |
| Emergency access | School policies typically include emergency access language so students can reach family when needed, while still limiting routine use during learning time. |
| Student exemptions | Students with IEP or 504 plans are commonly carved out during instructional time when devices support disability accommodations. |
| Teacher use for learning | A common approach allows teacher directed use when it supports instruction, while blocking casual scrolling and social media during class. |
Students with learning disabilities, including those with an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or a 504 plan, would be exempt from the ban during instructional hours. At the beginning of January, cell phones were banned at Portland public middle and high schools during school hours.
The Oregon Department of Education urged schools to implement new cellphone policies and suggested teachers and school staff set an example by refraining from using cell phones during working hours. Another HB2251 amendment would allow teachers to permit cell phone use if it supports academic activities.
Each school district must define its own disciplinary actions, and the bill requires school districts to “provide consequences for student noncompliance with the prohibition on the use of student personal electronic devices.”
In October, the Oregon Department of Education released guidelines for school districts to create their own cellphone policies.
The bill is currently in the House Committee on Education. The full legislature has not yet voted on it. The committee will hold further hearings before it moves to the Senate.