Gov. Bob Ferguson visited Pasco High School on Wednesday to talk about his plan to ban student cellphone use during the entire school day in Washington’s public K‑12 schools. He stood with students, teachers and school leaders as he explained that phones are distracting kids from learning and hurting their social development. The proposal would block phones and smart devices during class, lunch and passing periods, with exceptions only for students who need them for documented health reasons or education plans. Ferguson said the goal is to help students focus, reduce disruptions and improve their well‑being. The plan points to national data showing that almost all teenagers have smartphones and most use them during school, spending a large chunk of the day on their devices. Research included in the proposal says phone use hurts focus, attendance and mental health, while students are more engaged without them. One‑third of teachers say phones are a major classroom problem. Ferguson and State Superintendent Chris Reykdal want the ban in place by next September for the start of the 2027‑28 school year, calling it one of their top priorities.