The Washington state Superintendent of Public Instruction is encouraging local school leaders to limit cellphone use during instructional time by changing policies over the next year.
Chris Reykdal, the state superintendent, called for new school policies regarding cellphone and smart device use in a news release Wednesday.
The guidance calls for school leaders to work with their local communities to update their policies by the start of the 2025-26 school year. This messaging comes as many schools across the state and nation have started to restrict or plan to restrict cellphone use to improve education and health outcomes.
“Reducing the use of cellphones in class improves concentration and learning, improves mental and physical health, and reduces pressures caused by social media,” Reykdal said in the guidance document.