SALEM, Ore.-The Oregon House of Representatives passed a bill that would prohibit students from using smartphones during class passed with bipartisan support by a 36-21 margin on April 15.
House Bill 2251 would require each school district in Oregon to implement a policy prohibiting the use of personal electronic devices (PED’s) by students between the start and end bells of class times.
“I’m proud to be joining 17 other states reducing student access to smartphones during the school day,” said Rep. Kim Wallan (R- Medford), who introduced HB 2251. “I find it notable that no state that has curbed phone use in schools has reversed course. I’m confident that this legislation will improve outcomes for Oregon’s students and teachers.”
The bill aims to support students’ mental health and academic outcomes by reducing digital distractions, according to a press release from the Oregon Legislature.
Exemptions would be made for the use of personal laptops for schoolwork, for medically necessary devices or that are part of a student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) or Section 504 plan, the federal law that guarantees equal access to education for students with disabilities.
Under HB 2251 local school districts would choose how to best implement the cell phone ban in their schools, including using magnetized pouches to hold phones during class or requiring them to be turned off and put in backpacks.
“Our teachers shouldn’t have to compete with trillion-dollar tech companies and the most advanced social media algorithms for students’ attention in the classroom,” said Rep. April Dobson (D- Happy Valley & N Clackamas County), one of the chief-sponsors of HB 2251.
While HB 2251 would require all districts to prohibit cell phone use during class, many districts already have policies in place regulating PED’s.
Current cell phone use policy in local school districts
Hermiston
According to the Hermiston School District Student/Parent High School Handbook, PED’s may be used on school property before and after school and between classes and at lunch, but must be off between class bells.
The Hermiston School District’s policy states that, “In order to limit class disruption, Personal Electronic Devices (PED’s) must be turned off and remain out of sight during instructional time.”
Students who violate the PED policy may be subject to disciplinary action, including having their cell phone confiscated and released to their parents.
Umatilla
The Umatilla School District defines PED’s as any device capable of electronically communicating, sending, receiving, storing, recording and/or displaying information and data.
The Umatilla School District student handbook states that, “unless otherwise instructed, students must keep personal electronic devices in their backpacks in silent mode.”
Students who violate the PED policy may face disciplinary action and their device may be confiscated and released to their parents.
Pendleton
Pendleton High School also bans student cell phone usage during class time, requiring devices to be turned off and put away between the bells.
Students who need to make a call during class may use a school phone in the office with permission.
According to its handbook, students at Pendleton High School will be warned for a first offense involving PED usage, and the device will be confiscated and returned to the student at the end of class after a second offense.
For a third offense the device will be confiscated and must be claimed by the student in the main office. After a fourth offense, the device must be claimed by the student’s parent or guardian in the main office.
After a fifth offense the device must be claimed by the student’s parent or guardian and the student may be subject to detention or suspension.
HB 2251 will now be considered by the Oregon State Senate. A first reading on the Senate floor is scheduled for April 16.
“This is a chance to create a culture shift in our schools, make a positive impact on students’ learning and brain development, and make our lunchrooms loud again with community and conversation,” said Sen. Lisa Reynolds, (D-Portland), a Pediatrician who supported the bill.
