Districts need stricter cell phone policies, Washington schools chief says

Washington's Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction has issued new guidance to districts for stricter cell phone policies, as more schools across the state and nation are starting to crack down on smart devices.

In the new guidance issued Wednesday, State Superintendent Chris Reykdal called on districts to restrict cell phone use in class by the time the 2025-26 school year begins. He pointed to research showing most teens have their own smartphones, and frequent use of social media can lead to things like sleep difficulties and depression.

Reykdal advised districts to use this school year to develop uniform, school-wide policies that limit phone access in class. That way, he said, kids are more focused on learning, and the burden of creating and enforcing rules doesn't fall on teachers.

A growing number of districts, like Mercer Island and Spokane, are barring cell phone use, either during class, or in some places, all day.

Hamilton International and Robert Eagle Staff middle schools in Seattle are piloting new cell phone bans this year. Both schools will use locking pouches made by a company called Yondr.

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In a statement earlier this month, a Seattle Public Schools spokesperson said leaders are not currently considering a district-wide cell phone ban.

"School leaders create and manage their own cell phone policies because they know how technology affects the specific educational environment in their school," the spokesperson said. "They also have a greater understanding of the needs of the students and families in their community."

However, the district said Hamilton International and Robert Eagle Staff are part of a pilot program that "will enable the district to test feasibility, evaluate the effectiveness, and gather feedback from the community."