Ferguson proposes bell-to-bell cellphone ban in public schools

All of Whatcom County's public-school districts currently restrict cellphone use in the classroom, but not during passing periods in high schools.

By Jason Upton June 9, 2026 2:34 pm

Bob Feguson Washington state cell phone ban press conference — ContributedGovernor Bob Ferguson announces his intentions to ban cell phones in K-12 public schools during a press conference at Robert Eagle Staff Middle School in North Seattle. Photo courtesy of Ian Couch.

SEATTLE, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Washington could be the next state to ban cellphones in schools.

Governor Bob Ferguson announced on Tuesday, June 9, that he’s proposing a policy that would ban all smart devices in K-12 public schools from the first to last bell.

“In our schools, digital distractions are causing kids to miss what’s written on the white board,” Ferguson said at a press conference announcing the proposal. “Studies show teenagers spend, on average, roughly a quarter of their school day on their cellphones. Over a school year, that’s roughly 40 school instruction days lost.”

All of Whatcom County’s public-school districts prohibit cellphone use during class unless otherwise allowed by staff or in special circumstances. The ban takes effect during the entire school day from kindergarten through eighth grade, but most districts allow high school students to use their devices during passing periods and lunch break.

Nooksack Valley is currently the only public school district that doesn’t allow high school students to use their phones during lunch break, which is a key part of the governor’s plan.

Ferguson is expected to release a detailed proposal in mid-September in anticipation of implementing the policy by the start of the 2027-28 school year.

If approved by lawmakers, Washington would join 22 other states in having a bell-to-bell cellphone ban.