MISSOURI — As students return to classrooms this week, Missouri public schools are enforcing a new state law banning the use of cell phones during the entire school day.
The law, signed by Gov. Mike Kehoe in July, requires all school districts to adopt policies restricting students from using mobile devices except in emergencies or when specifically instructed by a teacher.
Districts Quickly Adopting New Rules
According to Susan Goldammer, policy chief for the Missouri School Boards’ Association, most districts have embraced the law.
“I don’t know any district that’s fighting this,” Goldammer said. “Many educators are quietly happy to have more authority to explain to parents why devices aren’t allowed.”
Goldammer drafted the model policy that many districts customized and adopted over the last month. While schools have asked about exceptions, such as medical needs requiring phone access, most are ready to enforce the rules.
Impact on Students, Parents & Smartwatches
The law is stricter than most other states, banning device use throughout the entire school day, not just during instructional time. However, enforcement and storage procedures vary by district:
-
Smartwatches Banned in Most Districts: Many schools prohibit smartwatches under the law’s definition of “portable electronic devices.”
-
Rockwood School District: Allows smartwatches only for telling time, not communication.
-
North Kansas City School District: Completely bans smartwatches but allows fitness trackers without messaging features.
-
St. Louis Public Schools: Allows each school to choose its own phone-collection method.
Some districts are investing in secure storage solutions. For example, Gateway STEM High School approved a $40,000 purchase of Yondr locking pouches to store phones during school hours.
A Transition Period Ahead
Goldammer noted that, with just over a month between the law’s passage and the new school year, districts had limited time to set up policies and storage systems. While schools are prepared to enforce the ban, she expects adjustments:
“There will be a learning curve,” she said. “There will be kids that break the rules. There always are.”
For now, most districts are allowing students to keep devices turned off in their backpacks, but administrators plan to monitor compliance closely as they refine enforcement strategies.
Katie is a senior who has been on staff for three years. Her favorite type of stories to write is reviews and features. Katie’s favorite ice cream flavor is strawberry.
Leave a Reply