PORTLAND, Ore. (KATU) — The Oregon Department of Education is encouraging school districts to ban cell phones in the classroom, saying they affect students’ learning and mental health.

The Lake Oswego School District is one of eight school districts featured in a 28-page report by ODE outlining the benefits of restricting cell phone use in classrooms.

Kristen Colyer, principal of Lake Oswego High School, said their “no phone” policy has improved students’ learning outcomes, social skills and mental health.

“I’ve had a few emails from parents saying, ‘Oh my gosh. Thank you. We are so excited. My teachers were on board. My staff was on board and actually the students were on board as well,” she said.

Colyer became principal at Lake Oswego High School the same year students returned to the classroom following the pandemic. Already facing nationwide learning loss and heightened anxiety among teenagers, the school board voted unanimously to adopt a cell phone ban this year.

“What I did by removing the cell phone or device helps with what I saw. We used to send students off right before a test. They would text their parent and leave,” Colyer said.

The report also cites student anxiety over cyberbullying due to increased access to phones.

“We know that when we have students who are able to have fun-free environments, that helps add that layer of protection,” said Alexa Pearson of ODE.

“I had the students write down what is something positive that has come from not having cell phones? And there is one comment that really stuck with me. One of my students wrote, “I’m no longer afraid to be at school where someone will unknowingly take my picture and post it on social media,” Colyer said.

Colyer shared other responses from students about how the new policy affects them. One student wrote: “More focused during class.” Another wrote: “Improving social skills.”

Senior Charlie Crandall said, “I think the connection we can make in the halls between classes and even at lunch is much stronger without using cell phones,” he said.

Colyer said there are some exceptions to the ban for students who need phones for medical reasons. Otherwise, students who need to contact parents for any other reason can use the office landline.

“I’ve taught a lot of kids how to use a landline, which is fun,” she said.

Each of Oregon’s 197 school districts sets its own cell phone policy.

North Clackamas, Hillsboro and West Linn-Wilsonville school districts have similar district-wide policies.