The Oregon Department of Education has advised schools to enforce stricter cell phone policies following concerns about the negative impact of electronic devices on students’ mental health and learning. Under Oregon law, districts must establish policies for personal cell phone use, prompting the Department of Education to call for a review and update of existing policies. The guidance recommends strategies like leaving phones at home, checking them in at the office, or using designated storage areas in classrooms.
Some schools in Portland, like a private school attended by Camille Stephen, have successfully adopted methods such as a “caddie” system for storing phones. Others, like Grant High School and Beaumont Middle, use Yondr Pouches to lock phones away during the school day. A survey found that teens receive as many as 237 notifications a day, with a significant number received during school hours.
While some believe banning phones eliminates distractions, students like Jason Mendez at Beaverton High School feel that access to phones for emergencies is important. The debate over cell phones in the classroom was discussed at a recent Portland Public Schools Board meeting. The Department of Education’s guidance aims to address the concerns raised by teachers about the disruptive nature of cell phones on the learning environment and students’ well-being.
Source
Photo credit www.kptv.com