School districts in Washington look to restrict smart devices in classrooms

Washington school districts will enforce new smartphone restrictions in classrooms this school year, as indicated by a survey from the state Superintendent's Office. The survey found that 53% of districts will limit device access during teaching time, while 31% will require students to keep devices off throughout the day. State Superintendent Chris Reykdal emphasized the responsibility to maintain a focused learning environment, citing daily disruptions caused by smartphones. The Ferndale School District has taken a proactive approach, permitting high school students to use their devices only during lunch unless instructed otherwise by a teacher. District spokesperson Celina Rodriguez mentioned that Ferndale will present its policy at the upcoming annual conference of state school directors.

This decision aligns with a recent study by Common Sense Media, which reported that young people receive hundreds of notifications daily, with about a quarter of these distractions happening during school hours. The move reflects a growing concern among educators and parents regarding the impact of technology on student learning. As districts adapt their policies, the emphasis remains on safeguarding educational priorities.