Limits on Possessing Telecommunication Devices.
Since 1997, school district boards of directors have been authorized to adopt policies that limit the possession of: (a) paging telecommunication devices by students that emit audible signals, vibrate, display a message, or otherwise summon or deliver a communication to the possessor; and (b) portable or cellular telephones.
Model Policy and Procedures.
Legislation enacted in 2017 directed the Washington State School Directors' Association (WSSDA) to review and revise its model policy and procedures on electronic resources and internet safety to better support digital citizenship, media literacy, and internet safety in schools.
The model procedures developed by WSSDA specify that the district superintendent or designee is authorized to regulate use of personal electronic resources on district property and related to district activities. It also states, "[to] help ensure student safety and citizenship with electronic resources, all students will be educated about Internet safety. This will include appropriate online behavior, including interacting with other individuals on social networking websites and in chat rooms, and cyberbullying awareness and response."
School Implementation.
The legislation enacted in 2017 also requires school districts to annually review policies and procedures on electronic resources and internet safety. In reviewing and amending the policy and procedures, a school district must:
Instructional Hours.
"Instructional hours" means those hours students are provided the opportunity to engage in educational activity planned by and under the direction of school district staff, as directed by the administration and board of directors of the district, inclusive of intermissions for class changes, recess, and teacher/parent-guardian conferences that are planned and scheduled by the district for the purpose of discussing students' educational needs or progress, and exclusive of time actually spent for meals.
Pilot Program.
The Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) must establish a two-year pilot program to study different strategies to restrict student mobile device use during instructional hours. The OSPI must select pilot sites from public schools and school districts that volunteer to implement a strategy to restrict student mobile device use during instructional hours.
"Mobile device" is defined as any personal mobile telephone or other portable electronic communication device with which a user engages in a call or writes or sends a message or any device in which the user plays a game or watches a video, except that such term does not include school-issued devices.
Strategies to restrict student mobile device use may include: (1) limiting use to specified time periods, designated locations, or during particular activities; and (2) limiting use by requiring students to leave mobile devices at the front of the classroom or in an administrative office, or to place mobile devices in a secure container. Strategies to restrict student mobile device use may include exceptions; for example, exceptions could be made for certain emergencies, students with certain disabilities, certain English learner students, students with certain health conditions, or instructional purposes.
The OSPI must select pilot sites with diverse site characteristics and proposals to implement a variety of strategies to restrict student mobile device use. The OSPI may distribute state and federal funds to pilot sites to support the required activities.
At a minimum, selected pilot sites must agree to: (1) restrict student mobile device use during instructional hours for at least two years, beginning with the 2024-25 school year; (2) survey administrators, teachers, students, and families for their perceptions of the benefits and detriments of the student mobile device restrictions; and (3) report to the OSPI with the survey results, student outcome data, and other information related to implementing the student mobile device restrictions.
Study and Report.
The OSPI must study policies and procedures restricting student mobile device use during instructional hours by, among other things: (1) researching the policies and procedures that have been adopted by schools in Washington and in other states to limit student mobile device use; and (2) analyzing data and other information collected from pilot sites.
By November 1, 2026, the OSPI must report to the Legislature with: (1) a summary of its research and analysis; (2) recommendations for successful strategies for restricting student mobile device use during instructional hours; and (3) recommendations for exceptions to the student mobile device restrictions.
Model Policy and Procedure.
After July 1, 2026, the Washington State School Directors' Association (WSSDA) must develop a model policy and procedures for restricting student mobile device use during instructional hours. The model policy and procedures must be informed by and aligned to the research and recommendations contained in the OSPI report. The model policy and procedures must be posted publicly on WSSDA's website by February 15, 2027.
School Implementation.
By the beginning of the 2027-28 school year, each school district, charter school, and state-tribal education compact school must adopt a policy and procedures for restricting student mobile device use during instructional hours. The policy and procedures must be consistent with the WSSDA model policy and procedures.
(In support) This bill is focused on finding ways to increase student test scores. Banning cell phones in schools significantly improves students' academic outcomes and narrows the achievement gap between student groups. Students admit that they focus better in school without cell phones. Students are more engaged with each other and with staff. Cyberbullying is reduced and mental health is improved.
Cell phones and other technology can be important tools in schools. This bill researches the best methods for restricting student cell phone use before statewide restrictions are mandated. The bill has exceptions for emergencies, students with disabilities, and students with certain medical conditions, such as diabetes.
Some school districts have implemented no cell phone polices during school hours, while allowing high school students to have their phones during breaks. If students have their phones when they should not, it is considered an athletic code violation.
The local flexibility in the bill is appreciated, but more funding to better support other student needs is necessary, too. This bill can be implemented without cost.
The timeline for implementing cell phone restrictions should be months and not years. Written communication, town halls, and minor changes to policies are all it takes to implement these restrictions.
(Opposed) None.
(Other) Cell phones are a problem in schools at every level and conducting a study on this topic delays implementing the known solution. Distribution of guidelines to implement cell phone restrictions would be helpful. Cell phones can be a great learning tool, but students who misuse them should have their phone confiscated.
Local decisions are better than forcing schools to adopt a statewide policy. A committee or work group at the school district level should create the local policy and guidelines.
(In support) Representative Stephanie McClintock, prime sponsor; Eric Sobotta, Reardan-Edwall School District; Kelsi Hamilton, Chehalis School Board; and Preston Dwoskin.