Cell Phone And / Or Other Technology Devices
July 24, 2025
CELL PHONE AND/OR OTHER TECHNOLOGY DEVICES
On July 9, 2025, Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe signed into law Senate Bill 68, a comprehensive education bill that included a new requirement that school districts have a policy banning student display and use of personal electronic devices during school hours.
Adopted pursuant to RSMo § 162.207 (Senate Bill 68)
1. Purpose & Scope
To promote student learning, ensure staff focus, maintain school safety, reduce cyberbullying, and support mental wellness, use of personal electronic communication devices (PECDs, e.g., smartphones, smartwatches, tablets) by students is restricted during all school hours on school property and at school-sponsored events
2. Definitions
• PECD: Any personal device capable of communication, internet access, or data storage.
• School day: Period from the first to last bell — inclusive of class time, transitions, lunch, and breaks.
3. Prohibited Use
• Students must not display or use PECDs during any part of the school day, including instructional time, between classes, and meals, except as allowed under Section 4.
4. Exceptions
PECDs may be used when:
1. Medical needs: Self-management of health conditions per IEP, 504 plan, or doctor's note.
2. Emergencies: Immediate need related to personal or school safety.
3. Instructionally authorized use: With prior permission from the teacher or principal for specific educational activities.
4. Disability accommodations: Where federal law (e.g. ADA, IDEA) requires device use.
Enforcement & Discipline
District procedures include:
• First offense: Device confiscated; returned to student at day’s end.
• Subsequent offenses: Confiscation; device returned only to parent/guardian, plus progressive discipline (detention, behavior contract, ISS, OSS). Sample sequence based on peer districts
• Students in IEP/504 accommodations: first offense triggers parent contact and counseling, not punishment.
