As Washington lawmakers punt on school cellphone ban, some want more action

A new law requires the state superintendent to study limiting cellphones in schools, but advocates worry that without a statewide ban Washington will get left behind.

By: Nate Sanford

Outlets: KNKX

Published: April 1, 2026

Words: 1,062

Last Updated: 2 months, 1 week ago

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During a recent lunch period at Robert Eagle Staff Middle School in Seattle, Principal Zachary Stowell said his walkie talkie was quiet. No fights. No incidents.

It wasn’t like this when he started.

“I couldn’t do my job. We were perpetually drowning in conflict,” Stowell said. “We needed a reset.”

In 2024, Stowell’s school adopted an “away-for-the-day” cell phone policy. Students have to lock their phones in magnetic pouches when they arrive at school, and …

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