Governor Ferguson proposes phone-free schools in Spokane

Governor Bob Ferguson visited Spokane today to announce a new proposal aimed at banning cell phone use in schools. The announcement was made at Lewis & Clark High school as part of an initiative to create phone-free learning environments for students.

Governor Ferguson is calling the initiative, "Away for the Day." It would ban phones and smart watches from first bell to last bell, to improve student focus and mental health. Ferguson will push for the initiative during the upcoming legislative session.

Ferguson noted school districts, like Spokane Public Schools (SPS), that have implemented similar programs have seen positive outcomes. SPS was among the districts setting the standard for enacting cell phone bans. Along with the cell phone ban, SPS created the Engage IRL brand, with the goal of engaging students "In Real Life."

This state-wide proposal would further tighten current SPS rules, particularly for high school students who have freedom to use devices in between classes.