Different schools have different rules for cellphones in classrooms

(JULY 31, 2024) Schools are closed for the summer, but the discussion about cellphone rules continues. Many staff and parents believe phones negatively impact students' mental health and behavior. Oregon's Department of Education plans to share guidelines on cellphone use in schools this fall. It hopes to help schools create their own rules. 

In Oregon, most big school districts let each school or teacher decide their own rules. For example, at Benson High School in Portland, teacher Kerry Zambrano enforced an "off and away" policy for phones in her classroom. She noticed students were more focused. They talked more with each other. However, she says having different rules in each classroom can be a problem.

Portland Public Schools is the largest school district in Oregon. It is developing a district-wide policy. It suggests students keep phones off during class. However, students can use their phones before and after school, and during lunch. The goal is to have clear and consistent rules across all schools in the district.

Some schools are doing more. Grant High School in Portland will use Yondr pouches. These pouches cost about $30 each. They lock phones away during the school day. Mt. Scott Learning Center already uses these pouches. Many students and teachers there like the new system.

Other districts have their own policies. The problem, they say, is enforcing the rules. Many teachers and their unions want stricter rules to limit phone use during instructional time. They say phones are a distraction. They think phones affect students' well-being. The debate continues as schools look for the best ways to manage cellphone use.