Rep. Emerson Levy (D-Central Oregon) addressed the House Committee on Education on the consequences of students over-using their personal technology devices in the classroom.
“Cell phones are getting in the way of teaching and learning in Oregon schools and we need a commonsense, well-considered statewide plan for addressing digital technology consistently across Oregon schools,” said Levy. “I’m committed to making sure cell phone use during daytime school hours is appropriate. We have an obligation to protect the social, psychological, and future well-being of students.”
A 2023 study by Common Sense Media showed that Students receive more than 200 notifications on their devices a day, a quarter of which come in during the school day. Many of these notifications could even contain cyberbullying and academic misconduct. Nearly three-fourths of teachers interviewed in a nationwide survey say that cell phone use negatively impacts learning in the classroom, especially when it comes to reading and math skills.
Levy was joined by Dr. Doreen Dodgen-Magee, a Psychologist and author who specializes in research focused on the cost of the over-use of technology and Ami Formica and Brooke Mues, Co-Founders of Well-Wired, a school advocacy group that advocates for healthy technology use in schools.
Formica and Mues said in a joint statement: “We believe in a future where children can harness the power of technology without being consumed by it.”
Over the next several months, Levy will work alongside stakeholders across Oregon to identify best practices that put these tools to work to enrich children’s lives and their learning, respect the role of cell phones as a safety tool for families, and extend and reinforce educators’ capacity to reach every child.
To learn more about Levy’s work and share your thoughts on cell phone use in Oregon classrooms, visit: oregonlegislature.gov/levye.
