OLYMPIA, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Washington schools could soon face new limits on cellphone use.

Governor Bob Ferguson unveiled a plan Friday, Oct. 2 that would require students to put away their cellphones during the school day.

The proposed Phone-Free Schools Act would require phones and other smart devices to be stored away from students, such as in lockable pouches, classroom caddies or at a school’s front desk.

Exceptions would be allowed for students with medical needs, individualized education programs and certain family caregiving situations.

While many Washington schools already restrict cellphone use during class time, Ferguson’s proposal would require students to keep their phones stored away throughout the school day.

All of Whatcom County’s public school districts already prohibit cellphone use during class unless otherwise allowed by staff or under special circumstances. Most districts also prohibit phone use throughout the school day for students in kindergarten through eighth grade. At the high school level, however, most districts allow students to use their phones during lunch and passing periods.

Nooksack Valley School District is currently the only public school district in Whatcom County that does not allow high school students to use cellphones during lunch, a key component of Ferguson’s proposal.

One-third of public K-12 teachers nationwide say students being distracted by cellphones is a major problem in their classroom, according to the Pew Research Center. Among high school teachers, that figure rises to 72%.

At least 31 states and the District of Columbia now restrict students’ use of cellphones in schools, according to Education Week. Twenty-two of those states have adopted bell-to-bell restrictions.

A national report card on school cellphone policies gives Washington an “F” for its statewide policy.

“The research is clear – school-day phone use has a negative impact on student learning, ability to focus, attendance and mental and emotional health,” Ferguson said. “We don’t allow smoking on planes anymore. I’m confident that in a few years, allowing cell phones in schools will feel just as wrong. Phone-free schools will improve academic performance, the classroom environment and the school environment. My mission as governor is to get this legislation across the finish line and sign it into law.”

The Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction released guidance for schools in 2024 encouraging districts to clearly define when cellphone use is appropriate and establish designated use and non-use areas on campus.

The proposal would take effect in September 2027 if approved by lawmakers.

Ferguson plans to introduce the legislation when bill pre-filing opens in December.