The Oregon Legislature stepped into the national debate on cell phones in schools with a hearing Wednesday, March 26, on House Bill 2251.
Cell phones can be addictive distractions in class, and researchers say they are causing mental health problems in young people.
Oregon law requires school districts to adopt policies for “personal electronic devices” but does not specify that those devices must be banned or limited, although the policies can do so. Since the start of the school year, several districts and schools have adopted policies that either limit or prohibit the use of cell phones during class time or throughout the school day. Many districts created these policies with input from their staff and families.
For example, the North Clackamas School District adopted a full ban of cell phones from the first bell to the last bell. Grant High School in Portland Public Schools also adopted a full ban and required students to place their phones in locked Yondr pouches at the beginning of each school day.
Student and teacher feedback has been relatively positive, with most saying students pay more attention in class and are more engaged with their peers, while bullying has gone down.
The Oregon Department of Education issued a cell phone guidance in October 2024 to help districts craft policies that work best for their community. Districts that haven’t already passed a policy should look to consider one. ODE suggested districts:
- develop a policy and implementation plan with input from staff, students and the community.
- center human dignity and strength-based language
- ensure communication preparedness.
HB 2251 would create a statewide school cell phone ban, but the details are still being worked out.
The proposed -2 amendments would prohibit the use of cell phones from the first instructional bell to the last, with exceptions for medical conditions, individual education programs and 504 plans. The policy would need to have consequences for students who do not follow the ban.
OSBA testified against the -2 amendments and in favor of the -3 amendments, which would require districts to adopt a policy to limit the use of cell phones during instructional time.
This bill as it stands would require many districts that have already created policies to replace their policies, undoing a lot of the work and community engagement they’ve already done. The -3 amendments would allow districts to adopt policies that work best for their communities and retain their local decision making.
HB 2251 is scheduled for a work session and possible vote on Monday, April 2, in the House Education Committee.
– Adrienne Anderson
OSBA Government Relations Counsel
