‘That is a perfect storm for failure’: Rep. Emerson Levy looking to tackle technology distractions in schools

(Update: Adding video, poll, comments from Rep. Levy and Well Wired)

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) -- State Rep. Emerson Levy, D-Bend, addressed the House Committee on Education Thursday on the consequences of students over-using their personal technology devices in the classroom, starting an information-gathering process that could lead to legislation next year. 

“Cellphones are getting in the way of teaching and learning in Oregon schools, and we need a common-sense, well-considered statewide plan for addressing digital technology consistently across Oregon schools,” Levy said.

“I’m committed to making sure cellphone use during daytime school hours is appropriate," she added. "We have an obligation to protect the social, psychological and future well-being of students.”

Currently in Bend-La Pine Schools, middle school and high school students have phone restrictions in the classroom. All phones are to be put away during class time and passing time. Middle school students' phones are kept away, even during lunch.

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.

"We have this highly addictive technology with a developing brain, and a teacher teaching something like algebra - that is a perfect storm for failure," Levy said Friday.

Nearly three-quarters of teachers interviewed in a nationwide survey say that cellphone use negatively impacts learning in the classroom, especially when it comes to reading and math skills.

Levy was joined before lawmakers 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 Central Oregon 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 said she 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 cellphones as a safety tool for families, and extend and reinforce educators' capacity to reach every child.

Levy told NewsChannel 21, "We are working on meeting with stakeholders, including students, to see how we should craft the legislation. This summer is focused on research and data collection. We will have a legislative concept by the fall." 

The lawmaker said that directing the Department of Education "to have a statewide policy is on the table" as one possibility.

Asked about a comparison to the challenge she's faced trying to improve the regulation and safety of young people riding e-bikes, Levy said both issues are "a challenge in their own ways, but hopefully both put our kids in a safer spot!"

"There's a lot of pressure on our school budget to put in more money and do all these things, and I agree that we need to do that, but we also need to look at non-monetary things that are affecting our students' performance and mental health," she added.

To learn more about Levy’s work and share your thoughts on cellphone use in Oregon classrooms, visit: oregonlegislature.gov/levye.