Gov. Kotek signs executive order prohibiting cell phone use by students at school | Top Stories

OREGON — Governor Tina Kotek signed an executive order on Wednesday banning students from using cell phones during the school day.

Executive Order 25-09 impacts Oregon’s K-12 public schools, requiring school districts to adopt a policy banning phone use “bell-to-bell” by October 31. These policies must take effect by January 1, 2026.

“The research is clear: cell phone use can create a trifecta of consequences for our young people – mental health issues, safety in school, and distraction from learning,” Kotek said in a statement. “I signed this order to stand up for the promise of every student in every corner of the state.”

The Oregon House passed House Bill 2251 this spring, banning Oregon students from using their smartphones during the school day. The bill did not make it out of the Senate Committee on Education this legislative session.

“I am very glad we will have this order in place and I do plan to reintroduce the bill so that we have this important policy in statute,” Rep. Kim Wallan of Medford, the bill’s chief sponsor, said in a statement.

Phoenix High School is less than two weeks into the new school year, and administration says a new policy limiting cell phone use during school hours is already bringing positive effects.

Some Southern Oregon schools already have policies in place limiting school cell phone use. The Phoenix-Talent School District requires students to keep their cell phones silenced and away in a backpack or locker during class time and passing periods. The Medford School District is adopting a similar policy in the 2025-26 school year, with possible exceptions made for “health, safety, or emergency reasons.”

Liv Collom is the Digital Content Manager at NewsWatch 12. You can reach Liv at lcollom@kdrv.com.