Washington Governor Bob Ferguson announced a proposal to ban personal smartphones and smartwatches from K-12 public school classrooms during instructional time, with implementation targeted for September 2027.
Ferguson held an event at Pasco High School, which already enforces such a policy, to discuss the "Away for the Day" proposal ahead of the upcoming legislative session. The policy would require devices to be stored away from the first bell to the last bell.
According to national data, 95% of U.S. teenagers have smartphones, and 97% of teenagers use them during school. Teenagers spend roughly a quarter of their school day on cellphones—equivalent to more than 41 instructional days per school year, according to the governor's office. One-third of public K-12 teachers nationwide say student cellphone distraction is a major problem in their classrooms, according to Pew Research Center data.
Research shows school-day phone use negatively impacts learning, focus, attendance, and mental health, while removing phones increases social and academic engagement, according to the governor's office.
Pasco High School Principal Veronica Machado said the existing policy has reduced discipline issues. "With one consistent expectation across the entire system, students know what is expected of them regardless of the classroom they are in," Machado said. "That consistency reduces distractions and allows teachers to spend less time addressing cellphone-related issues and more time focusing on instruction."
Ferguson said discussions with stakeholders are ongoing regarding enforcement, support for school districts, and exceptions for individualized education plans, 504 plans, and medical needs. He expects to announce a detailed proposal by September 15 and to file legislation on December 7. At least 31 states and the District of Columbia now restrict student cellphone use in schools, with 22 states enforcing a bell-to-bell ban, according to Education Week. Washington currently has an "F" grade for its state policy on the practice.