State lawmakers in Olympia are considering a proposal that would curb the use of cell phones by students during instructional time across Washington’s public schools. Senate Bill 5346, sponsored by Democratic Sen. Marko Liias, aims to reduce digital distractions and promote healthier learning environments by restricting when and how phones can be used on campus.

“Student device use and student device access is harming their learning and harming the development of our young people,” Liias said in a recent hearing before the Senate Committee on Early Learning and K-12 Education. The measure, available on the Washington State Legislature’s bill tracker, would direct school districts to adopt policies limiting non-educational phone use during class.

Data presented at the hearing by Dr. Dimitri Christakis, a pediatrician at Seattle Children’s Hospital, suggested students currently spend about a quarter of their school day on their phones, primarily on non-academic social media and video platforms. Christakis argued that phone use of this scale undermines attention span and classroom participation.

However, several students and community members voiced opposition to the bill. High school senior Julie Che told senators that limiting phone access could compromise student safety. “One of my main concerns when I did not have a phone was if I would be able to contact my parents in an emergency,” she said, noting worries about communication during school lockdowns or other crises. Another witness, John Axtell, argued that phones serve as tools for accountability, enabling students to document misconduct and stay in touch with family members.

The committee did not take formal action during the initial hearing, leaving the proposal under consideration as lawmakers continue reviewing testimony in the coming weeks. If approved, the measure would require the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction to support districts in developing local policies consistent with the state framework.

While no schools in Cowlitz County have publicly weighed in yet, administrators across southwest Washington may need to adjust campus policies if the bill advances. Many local districts already have varying limits on cell phone use, often determined at the classroom or building level.

Supporters of the measure say a statewide approach would provide consistency and relieve teachers from having to individually negotiate phone rules with students. Opponents counter that flexible, local policies are better suited to reflect each community’s needs and safety concerns.

The bill remains in committee consideration as of this week. Updates on its progress can be tracked through the legislative summary portal.

Original reporting on the proposal appeared at MyNorthwest.