New Missouri Law Will Ban Phones During School Day: Here’s What It Means for Excelsior Springs
Excelsior Springs, Mo. – A new bill passed by the Missouri General Assembly could lead to sweeping changes in how students use their cell phones during the school day. If signed into law by Governor Mike Kehoe, the legislation will require all public school districts in Missouri to enact policies that restrict student cell phone use throughout the entirety of the school day. The new law immediately sparked statewide debate and raised important questions in local communities, including Excelsior Springs, where educators and administrators are already planning on what the legislation could mean for students and learning environments.
What the Bill Proposes
Senate Bill 68, which passed both the Missouri House and Senate on May 10, aims to curb what lawmakers see as growing distractions caused by smartphones and other personal electronic devices in classrooms. The bill mandates that every public school district implement a policy restricting or prohibiting the use of cell phones and other electronic communication devices by students during instructional time and any breaks, such as passing periods or lunch.
The bill specifies that it is meant to “promote students’ educational interests and ensure a safe, effective working environment for staff and volunteers.” However, the legislation does not specify exactly how schools must restrict phone use; public and charter schools can use discretion as to where phones are to be kept, to allow use for assignment needs or at teacher discretion, and students with special permissions for medical reasons are exempt from this ban.
Now that the bill has cleared both chambers of the Missouri legislature, it awaits the governor’s signature to become law. If signed, it would go into effect ahead of the 2025–2026 school year.
Excelsior Springs Schools: Watching Closely
In Excelsior Springs, district leaders are monitoring the bill’s progress closely. Deputy Superintendent Mark Bullimore explained, “While the bill still needs the Governor’s signature to become law, we are watching it closely and will continue working with the Missouri School Boards Association (MSBA) to understand how this legislation could impact our district.”
Recent findings from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) shows a shift in how schools are managing student cell phone use. According to the latest data, 77% of public schools have adopted policies banning cell phone use during class, with elementary schools being more likely to enforce these rules than secondary schools. In addition, nearly 40% of schools have extended restrictions to other times during the day, including free periods and passing times, showing a trend in schools limiting distractions beyond just instructional hours.
The Excelsior Springs School District already enforces cell phone policies that vary by building but generally limit use during class time. According to Bullimore, these policies are reviewed annually and adjusted as needed based on discipline data and input from school leaders. “Right now, we already have policies in place that limit cell phone use during the school day, though they aren’t as restrictive as what’s being proposed,” he said. “If this law goes into effect, it will certainly play a role in any changes we make heading into next school year.”
Bullimore added that the district will also be assessing whether the law could affect other areas of school technology policy, and he emphasized, “As always, we want to be thoughtful in how we respond and make sure any adjustments are in the best interest of our students and staff.”
A Teacher’s Perspective
Jennifer Harding, a mathematics teacher at Excelsior Springs High School, voiced support for the bill, noting the toll that constant device access has taken on classroom focus and interpersonal connection.
“As a society, we are no longer present in the moment. I think it will take an action like a complete ban to truly reverse that,” Harding said. “It is hard to compete with the vastness of the internet, but the brain development that occurs in school is so important. It’s not about whether or not something can be googled on our pocket computers—it is about thinking.”
Harding acknowledged the transition might be difficult but said the benefits would outweigh the growing pains.
“It will be a big adjustment for everyone, but I think it will be worth the growing pains.”
Student Reactions
Students at Excelsior Springs share mixed feelings about the potential policy. Juliana, an incoming sixth grader, expressed concern about the impact on personal safety. “No, I don’t like it. In case there is an emergency, we need our phones. Maybe it would be fair if we could have them during breaks,” she said. While she acknowledged that phone use at school is often for social media apps like TikTok, she believes it’s important for students to have access in emergencies.
Eden, an incoming eighth grader, feels torn because she doesn’t own a phone herself but is aware of how many students rely on them. “Well, I am a little biased because I don’t have a phone,” she said. “Most of the time, when I see my friends on their phones, they’re using them for things like TikTok or Snapchat. Yes, they should be taken away, but only because of the things people are doing with them right now. If people were more responsible with them, it would be fine, but they’re not.”
Meanwhile, Enrique, an incoming high school freshman, suggested that schools should allow phones to be stored away until necessary. “Some people don’t head straight home after school. Some people go to work, go to the community center, or to the gym. I understand having it in your backpack or something until the end of the day, or using your phone only when next to your teacher, or during passing periods, or lunch.”
The Role of Families and Digital Responsibility
While the proposed law is designed to limit student phone use during school hours, Bullimore emphasized that technology habits are shaped both in and out of the classroom. “We believe it’s important to help students learn how to use technology in a healthy, responsible way, not just at school, but throughout their lives,” he said. “Teaching digital citizenship and responsible technology use is part of the work we do every day.”
Bullimore also emphasized the district’s desire to partner with families in setting healthy boundaries around technology use. “We also know this is something we can’t do alone. Families play an important role, and we want to continue partnering with parents to support strong digital habits. Monitoring your child’s device use, setting boundaries at home, and having conversations about online behavior all make a difference.”
What Comes Next?
Following the Missouri General Assembly’s adjournment on May 15, 2025, Governor Mike Kehoe has until June 30 to sign or veto any bills passed during the session. If he takes no action by that date, the bill will automatically become law without his signature. Given the strong bipartisan support for Senate Bill 68, it is widely expected that Governor Kehoe will sign the legislation. If enacted, school districts across Missouri must develop and communicate their new cell phone policies ahead of the 2025–2026 academic year.
Locally, the Excelsior Springs School District plans to keep families informed throughout the process. While the bill could lead to major changes in how students interact with technology during the school day, the district says its focus will remain on student well-being and success.
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