PORTLAND, Ore. (KPTV) – The Oregon Department of Education advised schools to “turn off and keep cell phones away” in guidance on school cell phone policies released Wednesday.
This comes after a National Education Association report highlighted teachers’ concerns about the potential for electronic devices to negatively impact learning and students’ mental health and well-being.
Oregon law requires school districts to establish policies regarding the use of personal cell phones and other electronic devices.
The Department of Education is now calling on school districts to review and update their policies.
This guidance provides strategies for limiting mobile phone use.
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The Portland Public Schools Board of Education heard from more students and community members as it discussed a new policy regarding student cell phones in the classroom.
For example, students can leave their cell phones at home or check with front office staff at the start of school.
Another method is for teachers to keep them in their classrooms, as detailed in the instructional policy. “Schools may set up designated storage areas within classrooms such as “caddies,” “cell phone hotels,” or “cell phone lockers where students can store their cell phones.” At the beginning of class. ”
Camille Stephen attends a private school in downtown Portland that uses the “caddie” method. She said: It works very well. ”
“Taking a break from social media seems to really help,” said Mark Stephen, Camille Stephen’s father.
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At Monday night’s Portland Public Schools board meeting, the focus was on cell phones in classrooms.
Portland schools, including Grant High School and Beaumont Middle School, have instead opted to keep cell phones in what’s called a “Yondle pouch.”
Students will leave their cell phones on a secure device until the bell rings.
According to the 2023 Common Sense Media Survey, teens receive more than 237 notifications each day, with a quarter of those notifications received during school.
While some parents find it less distracting to not have a phone, many students want access to their phone when it matters most.
Jason Mendez, a student at Beaverton High School, said he is allowed to wear his cell phone to class, but he has to keep it in his backpack.
“I think we should have more access in case of an emergency,” Mendez said.
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