Think Out Loud

Two Oregon school districts on the first month of statewide school cellphone ban

By Malya Fass (OPB)
Feb. 20, 2026 2 p.m.

Broadcast: Friday, Feb. 20

Last month marked the beginning of a statewide ban on cellphones in Oregon schools. The executive order, issued by Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek, prohibits the use of personal devices such as phones, smart watches and earbuds during instructional hours, including lunchtime and between periods. School districts were to adopt policies by Oct. 31, 2025, and enforce the new rules beginning Jan. 1, 2026.

Grant High School in Northeast Portland adopted a phone-free policy in 2024. South Eugene High School began implementing its cell phone policy last month.

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James Mcgee, principal of Grant High School, and Kee Zublin, principal of South Eugene High School, join us to give us more information on how parents, administrators, students and teachers are adjusting to the new policies.

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