Phone-Free Schools: How Oregon Districts Are Preparing for Success
Oregon is taking action to implement phone-free schools as districts prepare for a state-wide cell phone ban.
In July 2025, Oregon Governor Tina Kotek signed Executive Order 25-09, prohibiting student cell phone use during the school day in Oregon’s K-12 public schools. The executive order makes Oregon one of the latest states to experience the benefits of phone-free schools for both students and educators.
The new legislation aims to improve learning outcomes and boost the mental well-being of students throughout the state.
How Oregon Schools Are Preparing for Implementation
By October 31, 2025, Oregon school districts are mandated to create policies banning student cell phone use. These policies must be fully operational beginning January 1, 2026.
All K-12 public schools are required to:
Adopt a policy prohibiting device use by students during regular instructional hours for the duration of the school day.
Include cell phones, smartwatches, earbuds, and other connected devices in the policy.
Allow exemptions for students with medical needs or those with disabilities who have an individualized education plan.
Define clear rules for when phones can be used and how exceptions will be handled.
Specify how students' phones will be stored.
Outline disciplinary consequences for violations.
LEARN MORE ABOUT PHONE-FREE SCHOOLS
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What State Leaders and Medical Experts Are Saying
Early Results…And How Yondr Is Leading the Charge
Oregon school districts using Yondr’s Phone-Free Schools Program to help create phone-free schools are on track for long-term success.
Prior to the pouches, they really did have to take time and plan at the start and end of every period, for their phone policies. So this just allows them that full class time for lessons and engagement.
At Oregon’s McKay High School, administrators decided to use the pouches for a second year. Here, 90% of teachers noted improved engagement and focus due to the Yondr pouches. In a message to parents, school administrators stated:
“Distractions dropped, students re-engaged with their learning, and we noticed improved academic behavior across campus. Even beyond academics, our staff observed a decline in student aggression and hallway conflict. While we know multiple factors contribute to that kind of improvement, Yondr may have played a role in helping students remain more focused, present, and less pulled into digital conflict during the day.”
Oregon's seventh-largest school district, North Clackamas, became the state's largest to require cell phone pouches for its 17,000 middle and high school students. Here’s what the school community is saying:
“I love it. The students are not distracted. They’re more focused. Out of sight and away just does not work to the same degree.”
—Tijana Johnson, Teacher, Happy Valley Middle School
“Districtwide, disruptive conduct reports are down 25% over the first seven weeks of this school year, as opposed to last year. Reports of student fights are down 50% and harassment referrals are down 13%.”
—Jeremy Cohen, North Clackamas’ Associate Director of Secondary Programs
“People are more social, and it makes classes feel better. People do their work now not to be bored. They used to go on their phones not to be bored.”
—Gustavo Barraza, Student, Milwaukie High School
“The more we talked about it, if there is an emergency, we don’t want our children on the phone. We want them focused on getting out of the school or finding a hiding spot or following the instructions of the staff.”
—Robin Chedester, Parent, Milwaukie High School
“I’m not even using it as much at home. I’m just more used to not having it, I guess.”
—Isaiah Butler, Student, Happy Valley Middle School
To replace wireless earbuds, Milwaukie High's vice principal distributes wired headphones for students' district Chromebooks. Music lovers have responded by dusting off their bright yellow Walkmans and iPod shuffles.
The Evidence Is Clear
When schools remove cell phones from the classroom equation, both teaching and learning can thrive. Across the country, educators, and administrators are seeing the benefits of phone-free educational environments.
Research shows:
New data from the Pew Research Center found that 74% of U.S. adults support banning middle and high school students from using cellphones during class, up from 68% last fall (Pew Research).
A prior Pew Research Center report cited by the NEA showed that 90% of teachers support banning phones during instructional time, with many linking phone use to increased teacher frustration and burnout (NEA.org).
Research conducted by Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and Emory University found that removing cellphones and smartwatches from the classroom was perceived to lead to a notable increase in student focus, reduced distractions, and fewer behavioral issues, with many staff respondents also seeing improved engagement and less tardiness (Journal of School Health).
Research from Western Kentucky University found that the majority of teachers reported being distracted by students using their phones during class, impacting their ability to teach effectively (Western Kentucky University).
These findings reflect how meaningful learning requires uninterrupted focus and genuine human connection. Learn how Yondr can help your school.
WE’RE HERE TO HELP OREGON SCHOOLS GO PHONE-FREE
How Yondr Makes Phone-Free Implementation Simple
Unlike “off and away” and collection models, Yondr’s Phone-Free Program minimizes teacher involvement, allowing educators to focus on teaching and building stronger relationships with students in a distraction-free, supportive atmosphere.
We’re committed to supporting you every step of the way, from initial planning through long-term success. Services include:
Customized policy development tailored to your district’s needs
Comprehensive training and onboarding for staff, students, and parents
Secure, durable pouches that let students keep phones—without the distractions
Reliable unlocking infrastructure to ensure smooth daily operations
Ongoing support to guarantee long-term success
Yondr’s Oregon team is ready to answer your questions and discuss the process during an in-person or virtual consultation.
Whether you’re a current partner or exploring Yondr for the first time, we’re here to help you navigate the transition to a phone-free culture. Our program is designed to support schools every step of the way—from rollout to long-term sustainability.
If you’d like to learn more about bringing Yondr to your school community, schedule a time to connect. We’d love to hear from you.