PPS bans cell phones, adopts 'off and away all day' policy
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – The Portland Public Schools Board has approved a new district-wide policy banning cell phone use in schools, following a 5-2 vote Tuesday evening.
The new policy requires students to keep cell phones and other Personal Electronic Devices turned off and put away throughout the school day to avoid distractions and improve learning outcomes, board members noted during Tuesday's meeting.
PPS officials emphasized this "off and away all day" policy serves as a directive to schools within the district, that will then develop their own approach to the new district-wide rule.
Some schools within the district had existing cell phone policies, while others will be implementing rules for the first time as the PPS policy takes effect in the next school year, a PPS spokesperson told KOIN 6 News.
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The policy includes a few exceptions, allowing students to use phones if permitted for classroom instruction, or if cell phone use is allowed for a student's Individual Education Plan.
“We started this because teachers came to us, and they were so frustrated. There were teachers who were trying to keep cell phones out of the classroom. It wasn’t working, and they said, ‘Please make a policy so we can teach, so we don’t have to spend our whole time telling people to put away their cell phones,’” PPS board member Patte Sullivan said during the meeting. “I’ve listened and listened. I’ve seen really good arguments, but I still think for the sake of the education of all of our children, we need to get cell phones out of the classroom."
PPS Board Chair Eddie Wang cited data collected in October from North Clackamas Schools, which also implemented a cell phone ban. After enforcing the ban, NCS reported a 25% decrease in disruptive conduct, a 50% decrease in fighting, a 13% decrease in harassment, and a 35% decline in substance abuse, Wang said, noting the district also saw a drop in chronic absenteeism after implementing the ban.
“The main purpose for doing this is focusing on student achievement," Wang said.
The board chair also cited student surveys, reporting increased social interactions and ability to focus in class after the ban.
The vote comes months after the Oregon Department of Education released its own guidance for monitoring technology in schools.
While Oregon law already requires school districts to create PED policies, in October, ODE recommended all Oregon school districts to review and update these policies based on recent research -- finding students’ exam scores and cognitive abilities are hindered by rampant smartphone use.
“We will be challenged to help students achieve their educational goals, like reading and math skills, if students aren’t focused on learning when they’re in school,” Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek said in an October ODE press release. “Cell phones are a distraction and can harm students’ mental health and well-being if used inappropriately. Our job as leaders is to add as many supports as we can to help students and educators be successful.”