Eugene School District 4J

Beginning Jan. 1, 4J students will be prohibited from using smartphones and other personal electric devices for the entirety of the school day under a revised policy the school board approved on Wednesday, Oct. 22, to comply with a statewide order.

The device must be stored and silenced “off and away” from the start bell to the dismissal bell for all grades, including during meals and time between classes. The district already generally prohibits student use of personal electronic devices during instructional hours, although high schools have allowed students to use them between classes and at lunch and free periods.

After surveying families and students about device use and concerns earlier this fall, district staff will develop rules to implement the revised policy, including how phones may be stored and how students will be reminded to follow the policy.

Other things families should be aware of under the policy:

• Personal electronic devices are required to be stored in locations designated by district and school administrators, such as lockers, backpacks, secured pouches or classroom storage. Different schools may have different methods of storage.
• The district will adopt rules that enable students and families to reach each other in some circumstances. More information will be shared with 4J families in the coming weeks.
• Use of personal electric devices would continue to be allowed, if required by an IEP, 504 or health plan, or another approved exemption.
• Prohibited use of personal electronic devices have been expanded from the current policy to include, among other additions, bullying, harassment, unauthorized recording.
• The revised policy moves away from suspension or expulsion for unauthorized use of personal electronic devices, although students could face discipline for violations.

Nearly 4,700 4J family members and students responded to online surveys to help refine how the policy is explained and enable 4J to develop proper supports for students and families.

The policy complies with an executive order Gov. Tina Kotek, in her capacity as Oregon’s superintendent of public instruction, issued last summer that directed all K-12 school districts to adopt policies that implement a “bell to bell” ban on student use of personal electronics. The aim is to improve academic outcomes and well-being for students by removing distractions during instructional hours so their focus can be on learning and personal connections with peers and staff. 4J originally adopted a policy on student use of personal electronic devices in 2018 and had begun work to update it prior to the governor’s issuance of the executive order on July 2.

Learn More

Executive Order No. 25-09: Personal Electronic Device Policy for School Districts