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.

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.

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.

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.