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

By: Nate Sanford

Outlets: Washington State Standard

Published: April 2, 2026

Words: 1,095

Last Updated: 3 months, 4 weeks 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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