Spokane Public Schools in Washington state has introduced a ban on smartphones for elementary and middle school students in an effort to reduce distractions and promote real-life engagement. The policy, part of the district’s “Engage IRL” campaign, aims to help students stay active and involved in activities that foster social skills and mental well-being.
As part of the new rule, students are required to keep smartphones, smartwatches, and other connected devices out of sight during school hours. High school students are allowed to use their phones during meals and between classes. This move is part of a broader effort to counter the growing concerns about the negative effects of excessive screen time on children’s mental health and academic performance.
The Spokane district is Washington’s third-largest and has been considering such measures for some time. Many experts agree that smartphones can hinder students’ social skills and concentration, with research showing a significant rise in screen time among teenagers. In fact, a 2021 report by Common Sense Media revealed that teens spend an average of 8.5 hours a day on screens, a figure that excludes time spent on schoolwork or homework.
In addition to the smartphone ban, the district has expanded extracurricular activities across its 58 schools to encourage students to engage in real-life experiences. The district now offers a range of activities, including sports, arts, and other clubs, with a focus on getting every student involved. Superintendent Adam Swinyard emphasized that this effort goes beyond just removing smartphones, aiming to build healthier habits by giving students alternative ways to engage with their peers.
“Engaging kids in real-world activities helps them create lasting friendships and build healthy habits,” Swinyard said. “We can’t just ban phones; we need to offer meaningful alternatives.”
To support this initiative, Spokane has provided more opportunities for field trips, and a local nonprofit is investing $3 million over the next three years to hire “engagement navigators.” These staff members track student participation in extracurricular activities and work to make joining clubs or sports easier. As of March, almost 18,000 students were enrolled in after-school programs, a 19% increase from the previous year. The district also reported a 13% drop in chronic absenteeism among those involved in these activities.
The growing concern about screen time is reflected in national trends. Research has shown that children and teens are exposed to digital devices at an earlier age, with two in five kids receiving a tablet by age 2. By fourth grade, nearly a quarter of children have their own mobile phones. Many parents argue that smartphones are necessary for safety reasons, such as staying in touch during emergencies or managing daily schedules. However, educators point out that these devices can be disruptive in the classroom.
A Pew Research survey found that smartphones are a major concern for teachers, with a third of educators, particularly high school teachers, identifying them as a “primary” classroom issue. To address these concerns, at least nine states have implemented or are considering phone bans during school hours. Florida has passed a statewide law, while California requires school districts to set their own policies by next year.
The need for such measures is further underscored by troubling trends in youth mental health in Spokane. Since the pandemic, overall student attendance has decreased, and suicide rates among children in Spokane County have sharply risen. Ben Small, the former superintendent and current leader of a local philanthropy, expressed alarm over these statistics, which highlight the growing challenges facing youth in the community.
With a focus on real-life engagement, Spokane Public Schools is making a concerted effort to balance the digital world with healthy, interactive alternatives. By limiting screen time and encouraging participation in physical and social activities, the district hopes to provide students with the skills and opportunities they need for a well-rounded, successful future.
