This bill aims to improve student outcomes in Washington public schools by restricting the use of mobile devices during instructional hours. The legislature recognizes the negative impact of mobile devices on learning, including distractions that lower test performance and contribute to mental health issues such as cyberbullying. To address these concerns, the bill mandates the development of policies and procedures to limit mobile device use, with the intention of creating a more focused and engaging learning environment. The restrictions are set to be implemented starting in the 2026-27 school year, following recommendations from the office of the superintendent of public instruction.

To facilitate this process, the bill requires the office of the superintendent to report by December 15, 2025, on existing policies and successful strategies for limiting mobile device use, as well as recommendations for exceptions to these restrictions. The Washington State School Directors' Association is tasked with developing a model policy based on these recommendations, which must be publicly posted by March 15, 2026. By the beginning of the 2026-27 school year, each school district is required to adopt a policy consistent with the model, ensuring that students and their parents are informed annually about the new regulations.