Oregon School Cell Phone Ban Now in All 197 Districts as Students Report Better Focus

A blanket ban on cell phone use has been implemented in all 197 school districts in Oregon and, on Wednesday, Governor Tina Kotek visited Estacada High School in Clackamas County to witness first-hand her Executive Order 25-09 in operation.

Her Order Aims to Improve Student Educational Outcomes and Mental Wellbeing

The governor’s executive order aims to improve student educational outcomes and mental wellbeing across the state by prohibiting cell phone use by students during school days, and is now in operation in more than 1,200 K-12 public schools.

“Research tells us that constant cell phone use distracts from learning and can create mental health issues,” and it is for these reasons that eliminating distractions to assist students to thrive became a priority, says the governor in a press statement.

Kotek’s reasoning is supported by Estacada School District Superintendent Ryan Carpenter, who says that by reducing distractions, students are better equipped to focus and build connections, fostering a healthier school environment.

Within just over six months, and working with the Oregon Department of Education, Kotek’s executive order has been implemented at 100 percent of the state’s school districts.

Positive Outcomes Have Been Reported

A round table discussion was organized during her visit to the school, at which students and educators could discuss the impacts of the executive order. The following positive results were reported:

• More connections and interaction between students
• Completing more work
• Obtaining better grades
• Feeling more focused in class
• Experiencing a stronger sense of community in the classroom.

Before the implementation of the executive order, educators reported that cell phones were disruptive in the classroom, hindering their ability to teach.

Governor Kotek believes that banning cell phones is a powerful way to help students succeed, while Oregon’s academic recovery post-pandemic remains slow.

In a press statement, Kotek says that the order sets a statewide standard, while offering school district leaders flexibility and a better opportunity to engage in conversations with their students.

The cell phone ban does not include students with medical conditions, disabilities, or those with an individualized education plan.