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Oregon School Cell Phone Ban: 'Engaged Students, Joyful Teachers'

https://portlandtribune.com/2026/03/18/oregon-school-cell-phone-ban-engaged-students-joyful-teachers/

Oregon School Cell Phone Ban: ‘Engaged students, joyful teachers’ - The Portland Tribune

There was plenty of uncertainty and debate about the effectiveness of a cell phone ban decreed by executive order last summer. But at least in Estacada, the policy has earned […]

The Portland Tribune
Mar 20 at 3:39pmWeb
Show threadronbentonMar 20
I remember reading somewhere else that there was a psychological benefit for kids as well. Not having the constant pressure to check the device. Just seems like a big win all around.
Show threadkleibaMar 20
This has absolutely been the standard in every school around where I live for years. Anecdotally, however, I wouldn't go so far and say it lead to "engaged students" and "joyful teachers" :)
Show threadbawolffMar 20
I'm a little confussd... was there a point they were allowed? I went to school in the late 2000s, and even at that point of a teacher saw you with a cell phone it was immediately confiscated.
Show threadtechnothrasherMar 20
My son, who recently graduated high school, went to a school that banned phones but insisted on laptops (providing them for the kids who couldn't afford one). He said it was ridiculous, as none of the kids had any problem using their laptop for anything they would have used the phone, which was mostly texting, scrolling social media, watching videos, and playing games. Even when they school tried to lock down services, as soon as one kid found a way around it, they all did.
Show threadbananamogulMar 20

"decreed by executive order"

That's the only bummer here. I do agree with this policy, but no one voted for it. The governor just said "you're going to do this".

Yes, yes, I know - people elected the governor. But this sort of policy seems like something that should require legislative approval, not just one person deciding the whole state must do something.

For every time something good comes of that kind of behavior, there's 10 times when it's a disaster.