Phone-Free Portland Schools

We are advocating for 100% phone-free campuses for students in all Portland Public Schools. Phone-free schools adhere to a first bell to last bell no-phone policy that is clearly communicated to all stakeholders and strictly enforced by all administration and staff. Phone-free schools support not only academic achievement and focus, but also social development, resilience, improved mental health, and the face-to-face connections that our students desperately need. 


Who are we?

We are a group of Portland parents and educators interested in building a community to support thoughtful cell phone and technology policies that promote student wellness and support learning. 


Current Goals

We support successful, consistent enforcement of current middle school phone-free policies district-wide, as well as the development of a phone-free plan for all Portland high schools. Portland's families and educators will work with administration to develop a policy that works for all stakeholders.


About Phone-Free Schools

This policy would require that students are not in possession of cell phones and smartwatches from the first bell to the last, giving them seven hours per day to learn, interact with teachers and peers, and to be the person in charge of their attention.

 

The research is clear: the mere presence of phones in school is enough to reduce effectiveness of education.