News Summary
Missouri will implement a ban on cell phone use in all public and charter schools to minimize distractions in educational settings. Students must keep their devices off and stored away during the school day, including classes, lunch, and passing periods. Although exceptions will be made for emergencies, schools are adopting varying strategies to comply with the new law. This collective effort reflects a commitment to fostering academic engagement and reducing distractions, with multiple districts engaging their communities to create effective policies.
Jefferson City, Missouri – Starting next school year, all public and charter schools in Missouri will implement a ban on cell phone use during school hours. This policy, aimed at reducing distractions in educational settings, was formally enacted after Governor Mike Kehoe signed the legislation on July 11, 2025. The statewide ban mandates that students keep their electronic devices turned off and stored away throughout the school day, which includes class time, lunchtime, and passing periods.
If students are found using their cell phones without authorization during school hours, they could face disciplinary actions according to school policy. The ban allows for exceptions in cases of emergency or medical-related situations, ensuring that students can prioritize their safety and health needs.
In preparation for the new law, various school districts are taking different approaches to compliance. The Blue Springs School District has communicated with families regarding the requirement to store all electronic communication devices during the school day, reinforcing the importance of minimizing distractions and enhancing the learning environment.
Meanwhile, the Kansas City Public Schools district has initiated a feedback process to develop a cell phone policy in accordance with the state law. Engagement with the community aims to create a compliant policy that reflects local needs and perspectives on technology use in schools.
The Lee’s Summit R-7 School District had previously revised its own cell phone policies to limit student access during class, previously permitting some usage in lunchroom and passing periods for high school students. With the new state requirement, the district will likely adopt a policy that eliminates cell phone use altogether during instructional time.
Park Hill School District, which has been reviewing its approach to cell phone use since the previous spring, intends to follow the new legislation. A community task force comprising 30 members was involved in the discussions, reflecting a thoughtful consideration of the implications of the ban.
Raytown School District has noted that it already prohibits cell phone use during school hours and will be informing families about the new statewide law to ensure clarity and compliance across its student body.
In the Kansas City Kansas School District, the proposed policy under evaluation aims to require students to store their cell phones in backpacks or designated storage during the school day. This policy is still under review and has yet to receive approval from the district’s administration.
To provide further clarity, the new law specifies that all personal electronic devices must be silenced and stored away during instructional time, with teachers having the discretion to designate secure storage locations for devices. In Park Hill, starting the 2025-26 school year, high school students will not be permitted to use personal electronic devices during class time. However, they will still have the opportunity to use their devices during passing periods and lunch, aligning with the intent of the new legislation.
The collective decision by various Missouri school districts to adopt these policies reflects a commitment to creating an environment that fosters learning by reducing potential distractions posed by cell phone use. The forthcoming changes will have implications for students’ conduct and attitudes towards technology in educational settings, aiming to prioritize academic engagement in the wireless age.
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Additional Resources
- Fox4KC: Metro School Districts React to New Missouri Cell Phone Policy
- Wikipedia: Cell Phone Use in Schools
- KCTV5: Kansas City Kansas School Board Considers New Cell Phone Policy
- Google Search: Cell Phone Policy in Schools
- GovTech: Missouri Set to Implement Ban on Phones During School Hours
- Encyclopedia Britannica: School Education
- KSHB: Shawnee Mission School Board Approves Electronic Device Policy
- Google News: Missouri School Cell Phone Policy
Author: STAFF HERE KANSAS CITY WRITER
The KANSAS CITY STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKansasCity.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Kansas City, Jackson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as American Royal World Series of Barbecue, Dia De Los Muertos, and Planet Anime Kansas City. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Kansas City, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Children's Mercy Hospital, Government Employees Health Association, and AMC Entertainment. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREStLouis.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Missouri's dynamic landscape.
