PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Oregon Governor Tina Kotek signed an executive order Wednesday morning banning the use of cell phones by students in K-12 public schools in an effort to “improve student educational outcomes and mental wellbeing.”
In a press release Wednesday morning, Kotek’s office shared Executive Order 25-09, which they said will address the governor’s goals of delivering high-quality education and protecting “young learners’ safety, health, and wellbeing.”
“Oregon’s schools should be a place where students find belonging, support, and the joy of learning something new.” Governor Kotek said. “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. I signed this order to stand up for the promise of every student in every corner of the state.”
Phone bans in schools have seen popularity across party lines and even with students.
House Bill 2251 passed through the House earlier in 2025 and would have banned phones in schools, but didn’t make it through the Senate. Kotek said in May she was “exploring” ways to implement the ban.
State Rep. Kim Wallan, who was the chief sponsor of the bill, shared that she is grateful that the order is in place and that she plans to reintroduce the bill to get the policies codified into law.
“I was the chief sponsor of the bill to eliminate cell phone use by students during school hours. It passed the House, but didn’t make it out of committee in the Senate,” Wallan said. “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.”
At the school level, Gustavo Barraza, a graduating senior from Milwaukie High School, shared that when they introduced a phone ban at their school, students became more focused and more connected with one another.
“As a student leader at Milwaukie High School, I worked with teachers to help support our move to a phone-free school day. We saw right away how much better things felt. People were more focused and more connected,” Barraza said. “A lot of issues at school start with phones, or get worse because of them. Some of my closest friends came from being more present at school, and those relationships helped shape who I am today. That’s why I’m glad Governor Kotek is stepping up to help students by making this a priority.”
According to the executive order, Oregon school districts will need to have a phone policy in place by the end of October 2025, and the policies must be in effect by Jan. 1, 2026.
Kotek’s office said the order also allows for flexibility within different districts, creating allowances for students who need phones for medical reasons or to help students with disabilities.
