Reykdal: Washington behind as lawmakers study school phone limits

Reykdal: Washington behind as lawmakers study school phone limits

Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal testifies during a committee hearing on Jan. 22, 2026. (Photo by Bill Lucia/Washington State Standard)The state’s school chief says Washington is falling behind a national push to restrict smartphones in schools, arguing the state should move to a statewide standard rather than continue studying the issue. In recent months, states have accelerated efforts to limit student phone use. Indiana adva…

WA is lagging behind in national school phone limits movement

The state’s school chief says Washington is falling behind a national push to restrict smartphones in schools, arguing the state should move to a statewide standard rather than continue studying the issue. In recent months, states have accelerated efforts to limit student phone use. Indiana advanced a stricter bell-to-bell ban, New Jersey adopted a statewide requirement that will make districts including Newark phone-free by fall, Michigan enact…