Now it’s urgent? Washington superintendent pushes cell phone ban after years of ignoring data
In 2024, I introduced a bipartisan bill calling for all Washington school districts to implement plans to restrict cell phone use during class time. The majority Democrats didn’t pass it. This legislation has been one of my top priorities ever since. We don’t need to take phones away, but I strongly support putting phones away.
Washington students are not getting the education they deserve, and mobile device use in our public schools is not helping. It has become a chronic issue, and our kids are suffering both academically and mentally because of it. We need to eliminate the distraction these devices create during class time to improve learning outcomes.
The numbers don’t lie. Test scores throughout Washington are abysmal, and cell phone use during class time is a part of the problem.
- According to The Seattle Times, 71% of Washington eighth graders were not proficient in math, and 69% were not proficient in reading – both up from 58% in 2013. – The Seattle Times; National Center for Education Statistics
- Washington’s K–12 education system has slipped to 27th best in the nation. – Washington State Standard; Annie E. Casey Foundation
- 16% of high school students didn’t graduate on time in 2021 and 2022, above the national average of 13%. – Washington State Standard
- Washington is ranked 35th for high school graduation rate and 36th for college readiness. – U.S. News & World Report
Many school districts in Washington have implemented policies restricting cell phone use during school hours. However, we need to ensure all school districts have a policy in place so that all students can succeed.
I reintroduced the legislation in 2025 (House Bill 1122), but despite even more bipartisan support, the House Education Committee Chair chose not to hear it. It was the same outcome in 2026. Instead, the Legislature approved a bill (Senate Bill 5346) to implement another study to “help school districts find the best approach for restricting student cellphone use.”
We don’t need more studies on the negative effects of cell phone use in our public schools. We need to act. And evidently, Washington’s Superintendent of Public Instruction, Chris Reykdal, agrees…finally. So, why now? Why, after failing to come forward during any of the last three legislative sessions to support my legislation that would’ve directly addressed this issue, is Reykdal supporting it now?
Could it have something to do with the recent grade the state received for cell phone use in schools? Earlier this month, the national Phone-Free Schools State Report Card gave Washington an “F” for failing to pass a statewide policy banning cell phone use in schools during the 2026 legislative session.
Reykdal recently told Austin Jenkins on TVW’s Inside Olympia that “about 75% of districts updated their policies after state guidance, but warned that inconsistent local approaches limit effectiveness.” He said: “The common thread is that this really does work,” citing feedback from other states. He also noted that students’ behavior has changed when restrictions are in place. “It’s louder in the lunchrooms and in the hallways because kids are talking to each other,” he said. “We don’t need studies to see how clear the research is. We need courage.”
Where was that courage during the last three legislative sessions? Nowhere to be found. He could have addressed this head-on, but chose not to. Now he’s calling for “courage” to implement a “bell-to-bell” cell phone ban?
Good policy is good policy no matter the source. Sometimes it takes courage to do the right thing, including supporting legislation that may not come from your party.
Washington needs a strong, effective statewide cell phone use policy in all public schools. It’s past time for the Legislature and the superintendent to ensure every student has the best learning environment so they can achieve their greatest success. Our kids deserve nothing less.
Rep. Stephanie McClintock represents Washington’s 18th Legislative District.
