School is back in session for West Albany High School, and not a phone is in sight. This change is due to the new executive order signed by Oregon Governor Tina Kotek on July 2, 2025. Executive Order 25-09, which bans the use of personal electronic devices, not including laptops or computers, during the school day in Oregon.
The definition stated in the executive order document is “any portable, electronically powered device that is capable of making and receiving calls and text messages and accessing the internet independently from the school’s network infrastructure.” This order is not the only mandate of its kind, as around 30 other states have limited phone use in schools. Students in Oregon, before the school year started, had doubts about this new change to phones in school, with some citing safety concerns about not having access to their devices.
However, at WAHSl, the first week of school and adapting to the change of no phones has gone surprisingly well. “I think students have done a really good job,” social studies teacher Mr. Johnston said. “It has actually gone much better than I had anticipated.” Although not being allowed to use phones during the school day is a big change, the students at WAHS have taken it in stride…