Bill > HB1122

This bill aims to address the negative impacts of mobile device usage in public schools by requiring the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) to develop comprehensive recommendations for restricting student mobile device use during instructional hours. By December 15, 2025, OSPI must report to the legislature with a summary of existing policies, recommended strategies for limiting mobile device use (such as designating specific times, locations, or storage methods), and potential exceptions for emergencies, students with disabilities, health conditions, or instructional purposes. The Washington State School Directors' Association will then develop a model policy based on OSPI's recommendations, which must be publicly posted by March 15, 2026. By the 2026-27 school year, all school districts, including charter and state-tribal education compact schools, must adopt a policy consistent with the model policy and share it annually with students, parents, and guardians. The bill is motivated by research showing mobile devices can negatively impact student learning, mental health, and academic performance, with the legislature citing studies indicating even the presence of a smartphone can lower nearby students' test scores by approximately six percent and contribute to issues like cyberbullying.

Education

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1122&Year=2025&Initiative=false