LAKE OSWEGO, Oregon — Starting this school year, students in the Lake Oswego School District will no longer be allowed to use their cell phones during the school day.

The ban, which extends to all LOSD schools, was announced by the district on Wednesday.

The organization says the school board is in the final stages of finalizing this policy and expects it to go into effect before the start of the 2024-25 school year.

“The implementation of this change is grounded in a commitment to the academic success and overall well-being of our students. Extensive research, including the studies referenced below, shows that cell phones in schools can pose a significant barrier to learning and personal development,” the district said.

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The studies cited by the district were provided as follows:

• The Pew Research Center reports that 95% of teens have access to smartphones, leading to increased distractions during class. These distractions can shorten attention spans and reduce engagement.
• The American Psychological Association has found a link between excessive smartphone use and social media access and increased levels of anxiety and stress among teenagers, which can negatively impact mental health and academic performance.
• Common Sense Media points out that 50% of teens are addicted to their mobile devices, with 78% checking them at least hourly. This dependence on smartphones can hinder the development of important life skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and effective communication.

LOSD says it recognizes that there may be situations where exceptions to this policy are necessary. Exceptions may be granted for health, safety, or emergency reasons with prior approval from the school principal – or if phone use is included in a student’s Individual Education Program (IEP) or 504 Plan.

Students will continue to have access to school-provided computers and Chromebooks for their schoolwork.

“Family support will be critical to making this transition smooth and effective,” the district continued in a letter to parents.

“We encourage you to talk to your child about the importance of this policy, including the fact that cell phones can be distracting, increase bullying opportunities, and cause psychological and physical dependency. Please refrain from texting or calling your child during school hours. If you need to reach your child, please do so through the main office. Phone numbers can be found on school websites.”

Cell phone bans in schools have been a hot topic in Oregon in recent months; both the Clackamas School District and the Portland School District are considering restricting phone use.

Individual schools have also already imposed cell phone bans, such as Grant High School in Portland, which announced its cell phone ban policy in May.

READ MORE: Grant High School bans cell phones to improve student behavior and grades

Most bans require students to keep their cell phones in assigned, lockable bags for the entire school day, including lunch.