Northwest Academy is forming a committee to revisit its phone policy in response to Governor Tina Kotek’s sweeping phone ban order for public schools across Oregon. While the order does not affect private institutions like NWA, administrators say it creates an opening for discussion.
“We’re going to look at our policy, look at some research and look at what the state is doing,” said Russell Hanes, High School Dean of Studies. “At the end of the day, we might stick with what we’ve got. Or we might say that there’s a good reason to do a more restrictive thing.”
The committee has not yet been formed, and it remains unclear who will be included in the final decision, but the school’s phone policy will likely either remain the same or become more limiting. Most likely, the committee will be open to all faculty interested in discussing the policy. They will meet multiple times over the coming weeks, with no exact deadlines set in place.
Kotek signed her executive order on July 12th, which states that students in all of Oregon’s public schools are not allowed on their phones during school hours. Schools are required to have a plan in place by October 31st and a fully implemented policy by January 1st, 2026. The order aims to improve the learning environment and overall mental wellbeing of students.
“The research is clear,” said Kotek in her statement. “Cell phone use can create a trifecta of consequences for our young people – mental health issues, safety in school and distraction from learning. I signed this order to stand up for the promise of every student in every corner of the state.”
Kotek is referring to a growing consensus in the scientific community that non-educational phone use negatively affects school performance. According to a 2018 analysis of 39 studies on the subject, 36 studies demonstrated a negative correlation between time spent on cellular devices and student’s academic outcomes.
Lisa Colombo, the Middle School Dean of Students and Belonging, cited similar data, but raised concerns regarding behavioral development. Colombo thinks that having strict policies and bans can restrict students from being able to set these limits themselves.
“Plenty of research has shown that cell phones can often divert attention, but many things can be distracting throughout the day,” Colombo said. “I know the staff here at Northwest Academy very much values student agency, critical thinking and problem solving. There’s a number of staff that strongly believe having a blanket ban is not needed or appropriate. It’s more about time, place and manner. The rules can change depending on the situation and needs.”
The current phone policy found in the community handbook says that smart devices, including phones, watches and similar electronics, must be turned off and put away during all classes and study halls. In practice, phones are now completely banned in middle school while high school students often use their phones during study hall and lunch.
Some students believe that the high school doesn’t need to revisit their policy because the current one is uncomplicated and problem-free.
“I feel like at NWA it’s just not really a problem,” said sophomore Lily Duffy. “Banning phones shows a lack of trust in students.”
Some students recognize that phones are often a social barrier between other students, even if they are uncertain about a sweeping phone ban.
“I’m biased because I hate my phone,” said senior Irma Nacinovich. “Me personally, I would love a phone ban, do I think it’s the perfect solution? I don’t know. But if everyone was off their phones I feel like I’d be so much happier.”
Faculty has reported that the recently updated middle school phone policy has worked well because not many phones have had to be taken.
“I have not had very many turned in yet,” said Candy Trujillo, operations manager of NWA. “I’ve had one turned in, and had a discussion with a student, and I haven’t seen it back.”
When and if a middle school student’s phone is taken it is turned into Trujillo at the front desk in main. At the end of the day that student may receive their phone there, where they have a conversation with Trujillo about the phone policy. If being on their phone during the day becomes an issue, oftentimes the student and parents will sit down with the dean of students and discuss the problem in more depth and a better solution.
While some think that the success of the middle schools phone policy evidences a need for action in the high school, some students disagree. Senior Adelena Paternoster thinks that phone usage in the high school doesn’t need to be monitored as closely as it is in the middle school, pointing out that student freedom encourages self advocacy and regulation.
“A phone ban isn’t really gonna make or break the health of someone’s relationship with technology,” said Paternoster.
Reporting by Cecily Davis, Jonas Honeyman-Colvin and Leora Mellor
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