Oregon Department of Education Urges Schools to Implement New Cellphone Policies
The Oregon Department of Education (ODE) does not keep track of cellphone policies already operating in school districts but has recommended that policies be updated and reviewed to gauge the use of cell phones by students while attending class.
The ODE also urges teachers and school staff to set an example and to refrain from using cell phones during working hours.
ODE Urges the Use of Cellphone Lockers
Schools are requested to introduce cellphone ‘lockers’ and to implement stricter policies around the use of electronic devices.
The ODE says schools should not employ punitive measures to enforce cellphone policies and should remain flexible with students who need phones for medical reasons, or if they may benefit from assisted teaching apps like speech-to-text.
ODE Concedes that Cell Phones are Useful in Certain Instances
According to ODE director, Charlene Williams, the department is aware that cell phones can also assist students with safety concerns or disabilities.
Important for Schools to Promote ‘Deep Thinking’
However, schools must create conditions that ‘promote deep thinking and sustained attention’ free of the constant and intrusive interruptions of cell phones, says Williams.
The ODE guidelines say excessive social media and cellphone use is correlated to an increased risk of anxiety and depression and decreased attention spans.
Oregon Governor Supportive of Cellphone Restrictions
These sentiments are shared by Oregon Governor, Tina Kotek who says cell phones are a distraction that can harm wellbeing and mental health if not used appropriately.
The governor supports limiting the use of cell phones in schools statewide because of a negative learning impact.
Oregon has no law restricting cellphone use in schools. In 2013, 37% of teenagers owned cellphones but, by 2022, this figure had skyrocketed to 95%, according to the Pew Research Center.
Several schools have already implemented cellphone policies, including three in the Portland district that have locked phone pouches into which students must deposit their cell phones before entering the classroom.
Eight Oregon School Districts Have Implemented Cellphone Policies
According to the ODE, Oregon now has eight school districts that have introduced cellphone policies ranging from classroom bans to a total ban of devices from schools in North Clackamas, Lake Oswego, and Nyssa.
However, cellphone pouches cost an average of $27 per student per school year. The cost of the pouches can amount to $32,000 annually for large high schools.
The ODE suggests alternative solutions like lockable caddies or hanging storage with pockets for the cellphones. These range in cost from $800 to $3,000 annually.