Ferguson calls for student cell phone ban during school hours

PASCO — Gov. Bob Ferguson on Wednesday said he will support legislation that would impose a statewide ban on the use of cell phones and other “smart” devices during school hours by students attending public K-12 schools in Washington.

Ferguson initially outlined the policy proposal in June, and reiterated it as a legislative priority during an appearance yesterday in Pasco.

“As a parent to teenagers, I know firsthand how distracting cellphones are,” Ferguson said. “Many Washington schools and districts, like here in Pasco, have taken steps to get cellphones out of classrooms, but they need support. It’s time for Washington to join the growing number of states banning cell phones in school.”

Citing information from Education Week, the governor’s office said at least 31 states and the District of Columbia now restrict students’ use of cell phones in schools. Of those states, 22 have a “bell-to-bell” ban.

Locally, Ephrata School District superintendent Ken Murray said Thursday that limits are placed on the access and use of personal electronic devices throughout the school day for students in grades K-8. There are some exceptions linked to student needs, said Murray.

A similar policy focused on “class time” use is in place at Ephrata High School, he said.

“While our implementation isn't perfect, we've been taking, and will continue to take, steps to limit student access to personal electronic devices,” Murray said in an emailed response to GCJ.news. “One of our goals is to protect and enhance the educational environment, and reducing disruptions while increasing student engagement is a core part of that. We believe limiting personal device use helps us achieve that goal.”

Washington state Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal has also called for restrictions on cell phone use, saying such limits improve student learning and mental and physical health while reducing pressures caused by social media.

“District and building leaders may consider exceptions to consistent policies when an educator is expressly using devices as part of a lesson plan, or in the event of an emergency consistent with locally adopted policies,” Reykdal said in a statement posted on the OSPI website.

The governor’s office said Ferguson expects to announce a detailed proposal by Sept. 15, and prefile a request bill to state lawmakers in early December. If enacted by legislators during their session that opens in January, public school districts across Washington would be expected to implement the policy in September 2027. As proposed, the measure would apply use restrictions to electronic “smart” devices including cell phones and watches “from the first to last bell” in public schools.

The governor’s office cited statistics claiming that 95% of teenagers in the United States have smart phones and 97% of them use the devices for roughly one-quarter of every school day – more than 41 instructional days over the course of a school year. According to the Pew Research Center, one-third of public K-12 teachers nationwide say cell phone distractions are a major problem in their classrooms, negatively affecting student learning, ability to focus, attendance, and mental and emotional health.

Ferguson was joined by local administrators, teachers, and students during Wednesday’s appearance at Pasco, where the high school – similar to Ephrata – does not allow student cell phone use during instructional time.

“Adopting a consistent cell phone policy at our school has had a positive impact on teachers, discipline, and student interactions,” Pasco High School principal Veronica Machado said in a press release issued by the governor’s office.

“We appreciate the Governor’s support and welcome a statewide policy,” she said.

The governor’s office said Ferguson and staff members have been meeting this summer with students, teachers, and other stakeholders across the state to discuss enforcement options, support for school districts, emergency communications plans, and needed exceptions to the phone ban.

Exceptions could include student medical needs, those on individual education plans or IEPs, and federal Section 504 civil rights plans that support students with disabilities.