Gov. Tina Kotek’s executive order last July banning the use of mobile phones in all Oregon schools was a bold step. As a child psychiatrist and a pediatrician, we strongly support this statewide measure.

Here’s why: We have witnessed a crisis in youth mental health escalating over the last two decades, compounded by the pandemic. While many aspects of our society have recovered from the pandemic, the mental health of our children has not. Apathy, depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts and attempts remain much higher than the baseline of the early 2000s. Overall academic performance has declined, as well.

Smartphones and social media platforms haven’t helped: They engage the same parts of our brains that activate our fear and attachment behaviors and are built to deliberately exploit our neurologic vulnerabilities. Children and adolescents are especially at risk. Emerging evidence from large studies of brain and behavior underscore the potential negative impacts on learning, emotional well-being and effective social interaction.

Eliminating the use of mobile phones in schools is a promising strategy. Universal practice across Oregon, while “top down,” ensures a level playing field of expectations at the individual, family, school and community level.

Let’s work collaboratively, engaging students, educators, parents, community leaders and health professionals to support school environments where kids are set up to succeed. Let’s rigorously evaluate this effort to protect our youth and ensure schools are places of academic, emotional and social growth. Let’s modify practices based on what we learn and become national leaders in this space.

Ajit N. Jetmalani and Ben Hoffman

Jetmalani is a physician and director of OHSU’s Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Hoffman is a physician and director of the Oregon Center for Children and Youth with Special Health Needs.

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