14-07-2025
Metro school districts react to new Missouri cell phone policy
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Cell phone use will be banned during the school day in Missouri next school year, as districts across the state are directed to put in new polices after Governor Mike Kehoe signed a bill this week.
In the metro, the Blue Springs School District sent a letter to families alerting them that students will not be allowed to use their 'electronic communication devices' during the school day.
'While the law aims to reduce distractions, improve academic focus, and enhance student well-being, we understand that not every family or student will see this as a welcome change,' the district's letter reads.
'Students will not be allowed to use their phones during the school day.'
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The 'school day' mentioned also includes lunchtime and passing periods. Phones must be turned off and stored away. Unauthorized use may lead to disciplinary action.
However, Blue Spring Schools did say that there are exceptions, including emergencies and medical-related circumstances.
This goes for all public and charter schools across Missouri.
'Honestly, if Missouri is trying to better their school education system by not having telephones there, I'm all for it, all for it,' said a parent in the Independence School District, Krystal Neenan.
Neenan has a freshman and a first grader in the Independence School District. She's all for no cell phones at school.
'I honestly think that kids, when they're in school, should be focused on the education, and not on the distraction of a cell phone,' she said.
'I also understand the need for a safety component to that, as well. Like being in contact with your kid 24/7, as well. Like, with the school shootings and all of that. That makes me think that there is a reason for kids to have their phones in school.'
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Shain Bergan, the spokesperson for Kansas City Public Schools, said on Friday that they're working to gather feedback as to how they can better serve their students.
'We have been seeking feedback and carrying out a productive dialogue with our community regarding how best to craft a new policy in a way that is cooperative with our community while fulfilling state law, including a comprehensive ongoing survey and direct meetings with stakeholders.'
In Lee's Summit, Lee's Summit R-7 released the following statement:
The Lee's Summit R-7 School District revised its cell phone policy in January after a series of community engagement with students, parents, staff and other community members. This policy removed cell phones from the classroom K-12 but allowed cell phone use in the lunchroom and passing periods for high school students. We have drafted an update to our policy to address the requirements written in Senate Bill 68 and it will be implemented before the state deadline.
Additionally, Park Hill K-12 said that they've been working on the issue since last school year.
'Thanks for checking in. In Park Hill, we've been communicating about this with our families since last spring,' a spokesperson for the district said.
'In May, we sent information to our families about our new cell phone policy at the high school level. I'm copying our communication below. Given the legislative action at the state level, we will be following the guidance of 'no cell phone usage during the school day.'
Lastly, the Raytown School District says that cell phone use during the school day was already prohibited in their schools
'The use of cell phones is already prohibited and outlined in the student handbook,' a spokesperson said.
'We'll be sending communication out to families soon letting them know about the new law and reminding them of the policy.'
Again, these policies must be implemented for all Missouri Public and Charter schools starting this school year.
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