In a decisive move toward promoting the mental health and academic performance of students in Oregon's public K-12 schools, Governor Tina Kotek put pen to paper on Executive Order 25-09 to ban the use of cell phones during school hours, as reported by the state government newsroom. This order, reflecting her commitment to high-quality education and the welfare of students, demands district policies against cell phone use to be established by October 31, 2025, with full implementation no later than January 1, 2026.
Classroom facilitators statewide have noted the disruptive nature of cell phones, echoing research findings indicating that students are easily distracted by phones, which can decrease their ability to concentrate and therefore hinder learning—Governor Kotek embraces this rationale, standing firm on her stance that Oregon schools should be arenas of belonging and joyful education. “The research is clear: cell phone use can create a trifecta of consequences for our young people – mental health issues, safety in school, and distraction from learning,” Kotek stated, as noted by the state government newsroom. The expectation is that the absence of cell phones will not only enhance academic recovery, which has faltered since the pandemic, but also bolster student engagement and safety.
The ban has seen bipartisan support, with Senator Lisa Reynolds hailing it as an advancement towards a more focused and community-driven learning environment for every Oregon student. Meanwhile, Representative April Dobson expressed gratitude for the Governor's initiative, having previously supported a similar measure that failed to pass. On the other side of the aisle, Representative Kim Wallan, originally a chief sponsor of a bill aiming to eradicate cell phone use in schools during academic hours, while disappointed the bill did not progress further, praised the executive order for attaining similar ends, as mentioned in the state government newsroom.
A testimony to the potential impact of the Governor's order comes from Gustavo Barraza, a student leader at Milwaukie High School, where a phone-free initiative has already been trialed with positive feedback: student focus and connectedness improved significantly, forming relationships that resonated well beyond the classroom walls, "A lot of issues at school start with phones, or get worse because of them," Barraza explained, praising the Governor's decision as a forward step for student well-being. Acknowledging the broader implications of phone use on youth mental health, neuroscientist Jared Conney Horvath noted the dramatic improvements in learning and behavior when complete phone restrictions are in place, saying, “Once phones are gone, schools gain the equivalent of 1 to 6 extra hours of instructional time per week in the first year, students are more focused, teachers are more engaged, and everyone is more connected,” according to his experience working with schools worldwide, as per a report by the state government newsroom.
The executive order, while setting a uniform standard across Oregon, also provides for district-specific conversations to establish a tailored approach that suits local needs. It does allow certain exceptions, permitting individual students to keep their cell phones during the day for specific purposes such as for medical reasons or in accordance with an individualized education plan (IEP) for those with disabilities. The order has been welcomed by advocacy groups and healthcare professionals who see the harmful effects of cell phones firsthand. Julie Scholz of the Oregon Pediatric Society called it a step toward healthier, more focused learning, while Andrea Davis of Better Screen Time said it’s important during a time of educational and mental health challenges for teens.
