Survey shows what Portland Public Schools students think about classrooms without cell phones

PORTLAND, Ore. (KATU) — The debate over whether to allow students to have phones on Portland Public Schools district campuses continues.

On Monday, the board will consider a new survey of more than 2,000 students who expressed their stance on the issue.

Of the students surveyed, 54% said they feel increased stress when they don’t have their phone to hand. 76% said they don’t feel any stress relief when they don’t have it with them.

Students have reported concerns about accessing emergency services and communicating with families if something were to happen. Many students leaving campus for lunch have often commented that they don’t feel safe if they don’t leave with their phones in the event of an emergency.

“Our phones are a part of our lives. It’s about how we communicate with people and I think they play a role, but I don’t think you should have them all the time,” said Roosevelt High School senior Macy Martin.

The survey found that most students see and feel the academic benefits of phone-free classrooms. It also notes that students “strongly desire” to have access to their phones outside of class so they can use them during lunch breaks.

The study also concluded that phones can have academic value, particularly in subjects such as art, robotics and newspaper classes.