Governor Ferguson launches Phone-Free Schools Act at Spokane event

SPOKANE - Today, Governor Bob Ferguson released the details of one of his top priorities for the upcoming legislative session: the Phone-Free Schools Act. The Governor was joined by administrators, teachers and students from Spokane Public Schools as he released the details of his proposal, which include:

• If students bring phones or smart devices to school, they must be stored away from the student, for example at the front desk, in a classroom caddy, or in lockable pouches.
• Limited, appropriate exceptions will exist, such as for students with IEPs, 504 plans and medical needs, and other limited scenarios in which, for example a student needs to help care for an aging parent.
• For at least the first year, no student should be suspended for violating this policy. This is to address disparities in student discipline that came up in other states during the early implementation of their phone-free policies.
• The policy will take effect in September 2027.

The draft text of the governor's proposal is available here.

In the United States, 95% of teenagers have smartphones - and 97% of these teenagers use them during school. Studies show teenagers spend, on average, roughly a quarter of their school day on their cellphones - more than 41 instructional days over the course of a school year.

One-third of public K-12 teachers nationwide say students being distracted by cellphones is a major problem in their classroom, according to Pew Research Center. Research shows school-day phone use negatively impacts students' learning, ability to focus, attendance and mental and emotional health. Without phones, students are more engaged socially and academically.

"The research is clear - School-day phone use has a negative impact on student learning, ability to focus, attendance and mental and emotional health," said Governor Ferguson, "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."

Governor Ferguson plans to prefile the Governor Request Bill the day prefiling opens on Dec. 7.

Cellphone policy in Washington state and nationwide

At least 31 states and the District of Columbia now restrict students' use of cellphones in schools, according to Education Week. Of those states, 22 have a bell-to-bell ban.

A national report card gives Washington an "F" for our state policy.

Leadership on protecting young people

Governor Ferguson has taken multiple steps to protect youth against the harm of cellphones. During the 2026 legislative session, Governor Ferguson signed a new law that helps lay the groundwork for regulating cellphones in schools. He also successfully proposed a new law that provides safeguards for the public - particularly kids - when using AI companion chatbots. As Attorney General, he took social media companies to court to change their addictive algorithms and hold them accountable for the harm they have done to kids

Additional quotations

Adam Swinyard, Superintendent, Spokane School District
"Cellphones and smart devices are an existential threat to our kids. What we're doing in Spokane is working, and we're so grateful Governor Ferguson is bringing our state into that conversation. Every inch we can take back is a win for the wellbeing of our kids."

Ivan Corley, Principal, Lewis & Clark High School
"We're seeing more students engaging with each other and with the teacher. Students are more present, they're more focused and ready to learn. Teachers are able to use their instruction time to teach, instead of enforcing cell phone infractions. It's an honor to have the governor come to our school to talk about ways we can help all kids be successful."

Elijah Wissing, Student, Lewis & Clark High School
"Interacting with a screen isn't the same as interacting with people and talking to them. With screens put away, I notice people actually talking to each other. We've become better friends because we put screens away. I believe the relationships we build in person are things we can't replace. Simply being present can make school a more connected and meaningful place."

Grace Parker, Student, Lewis & Clark High School
"Students benefit when we are able to put our phones away and focus on what's happening in the classroom. School isn't just about academics - it's a place where we build friendships and become part of a community. It's important for students have opportunities to connect with those around them, rather than turning to a screen at every opportunity. Creating a school environment that encourages those interactions is valuable. I'm grateful our perspectives are being considered, and I appreciate the effort to make our schools places where students can be present."

Gabe Medrano, Teacher, Lewis & Clark High School
"Before the new policy came down at our school, I was ready to yank my hair out. It was such an issue. I can feel the difference, I can see the difference. I'm not trying to manage or watch for kids trying to sneak a peek at their phones. Kids are interacting much better, with each other and with teachers. I've seen great things in my class. I think it's important that kids learn to talk together, to be together. I'm really excited about where we're going."

Liz Trautman, Executive Director, Stand for Children
"The research is clear: phones in schools are distracting at best and harmful at worst. Students deserve distraction-free learning environments where they can grow and thrive. The Phone Free Schools Act sets a clear statewide standard that phones stay off and away for the entire school day, with local flexibility on implementation. This would bring Washington in line with 23 other states that have already made this move for their students. Stand for Children Washington, along with a coalition of students, parents, educators, and community leaders, is proud to support this important bill."

Pictures from the event can be found here: https://ofmwagov.app.box.com/s/gc1nfsayqmm2vc2c0gc22s4yde24k36a