Ferguson's plan is simple: No smartphones or smartwatches from the moment school starts to the moment it ends. Every public school in the state, kindergarten through 12th grade.
Washington Governor Bob Ferguson calls for a statewide cell phone ban in schools during a news conference on June 9, 2026. Before anyone reaches for a label, no, I’m not some hard-right MAGA guy who hates everything Democrats do.
When I’m critical of the governor, I’m going after policy, never the person. If Republicans ran this state, I’d be just as hard on them. It just so happens that Ferguson is the big cheese right now, and one party has held the governor’s office since 1985. More than 40 years without a change in management.
But the job cuts both ways. When the governor gets it right, you say so. And on phones in schools, Ferguson just hit one out of the park. Ferguson’s plan is simple: No smartphones or smartwatches from the moment school starts to the moment it ends.
Every public school in the state, kindergarten through 12th grade. He’s spending the next three months working out details with students, teachers, and districts, including exceptions for medical needs and special education plans. The bill goes to the legislature in December. If it passes, the phones go away in fall 2027.
One footnote. The ban covers public schools. Governor Ferguson’s own kids went the private school route. I trust he’s been making the same pitch at parent night.
What’s good for a million public school kids ought to be good enough for everyone, including the governor’s. Ferguson has raised kids through the smartphone era. So have I. And I’m here to tell you, even the strictest parents struggle with this fight. Anyone telling you it’s easy to just say “no” has never told a teenager her screen time is up.
The grief comes in stages. Denial. Bargaining.
“You’re literally ruining my life. ” Then the door slam, which I believe is acceptance. The numbers in the governor’s announcement are brutal. Teenagers spend roughly a quarter of their school day on their phones.
That works out to more than 41 instructional days a year. That’s eight weeks of school, gone to TikTok while a teacher stands at the whiteboard talking to the tops of heads. I can hear some parents already. What if there’s an emergency?
What if I need to reach my kid? Sure. Every one of us over 35 somehow made it through school without a phone in our pocket, and we all survived. Your kid can walk to the office and use the phone, just as we did.
And if something truly serious happens? Every teacher in that building has a cell phone. I’m pretty sure they know how to dial 911. Skeptics have a real argument too.
About 75% of Washington districts already have some kind of phone policy. Why does Olympia need to step in?. At least 31 states already restrict phones in schools, 22 of them all day long. The honor system got us here.
Now, the fun part. I criticize the governor’s policies a couple of times a month, always with a purpose. Starting in fall 2027, every parent in Washington gets to borrow my act. Your kid wants to know why she can’t bring her phone to school?
Welp. Wish I could do something different, kiddo. Governor said so. I’m sorry.
Now eat your breakfast. And Democrats, you too can join me in criticizing Governor Ferguson to your kids. Blame him at the breakfast table. Blame him in the drop-off line.
Even Republicans in Olympia are stuck. They’d love to come out against this one on principle, just out of habit. But what’s the press release?
“We demand more phones in algebra class? ” Sorry. The governor said so. Vote yes and tell your kids it was his idea.
For one glorious policy, every parent in this state, left, right, and center, gets to point at the governor and shrug.
“Seattle’s Morning News”Ferguson's plan is simple: No smartphones or smartwatches from the moment school starts to the moment it ends. Every public school in the state, kindergarten through 12th grade. Seattle invested $9 million in drones for enhanced security during the FIFA World Cup, but Jake and Spike think the city should deploy the drones in Aurora too.
‘God didn’t need a bullhorn’: Spike pushes back on Seattle’s street preachers as they gear up for the World Cup The controversial"street preachers" who occupy street corners as local fans populate the stadium district to see Seattle sports are gearing up for the 2026 World Cup. Harger: Governor Ferguson admits Washington’s 2027-29 budget is in trouble.
His own OFM director is preparing for it to be worse Ferguson's budget director sent a letter to every state agency telling them three things. Stop expanding programs. Prepare significant cuts. Don't count on the new millionaires tax to cover anything.
‘This state can’t out-earn a spending problem’: Gee reacts to Ferguson’s office warning to brace for ‘most challenging budget’ yet June is National Men’s Health Month: Advancing prostate cancer treatment while preserving quality of life One in eight men will hear the words"you have prostate cancer" in their lifetime. Unfortunately, many men tend to overlook the importance of preventative care.
Why 45 is the new 50: The updated playbook for colon cancer screenings Colon cancer is one of the most common and deadliest types of cancer, and routine screenings are the best way to reduce your chances of becoming a statistic. Redmond HVAC contractor earns triple recognition in 60 days, reflecting a shift in how homeowners vet contractors Three independent organizations that evaluate home service contractors each reached the same conclusion: Home Comfort Alliance is among the most reliable in its market.
WSECU Community Champion: Chrystal Ortega’s mission to feed Spokane Chrystal Ortega's tireless dedication recently earned her the WSECU Community Champions Award and a $1,000 grant to further the mission.
Please follow us on Google to support us United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Tyler, The Creator's Camp Flog Gnaw Festival Returns to Dodger Stadium for 12th EditionThe 12th annual Camp Flog Gnaw festival, founded by Tyler, The Creator, will take place at Dodger Stadium on November 14-15, 2026. Tickets go on sale June 11, with options ranging from general admission to ultra-VIP packages, and a new payment plan.
Read more »
Harger: Governor Ferguson admits Washington's 2027-29 budget is in trouble. His own OFM director is preparing for it to be worseFerguson's budget director sent a letter to every state agency telling them three things. Stop expanding programs. Prepare significant cuts. Don't count on the new millionaires tax to cover anything.
Read more »
Fruit Bats Announce 12th Album and Sprawling 2026 Tour with New SinglesFruit Bats, the project of Eric D. Johnson, are releasing their twelfth album and embarking on a major tour across the US, Canada, and Australia. Details on new singles and full tour dates.
Read more »
Carley Fortune's Every Summer After Adapted to Every Year After Series on Prime VideoCanadian author Carley Fortune's novel Every Summer After, inspired by her childhood in Barry's Bay, has been adapted into an eight-episode series titled Every Year After, released on Prime Video. The novel, published in May 2022, was written during the pandemic with influences from Taylor Swift's Folklore album.
Read more »