Fewer classroom disruptions and better grades are among the results of Iola High School’s first quarter under a bell-to-bell cell phone ban. Principal Scott Carson said students have adjusted well to the policy, which, along with new limits on Chromebook access, is intended to keep students focused on instruction.
The change follows a new state law requiring Kansas schools to prohibit student cell phone use throughout the school day. At Iola High, the policy has meant helping students learn to navigate a school day without constant access to their devices.
“The transition has gone very well,” Carson said. “Anytime you make a significant change like this, there is going to be an adjustment period for students and staff.”
Compliance with the new policy has not been an issue. “Students have done a good job following the policy,” he said.
IN MARCH, Gov. Laura Kelly signed House Bill 2299 into law, requiring all public K-12 schools to enforce a “bell-to-bell” prohibition on cell phones and similar personal electronic devices by September 2026. The law requires devices to be turned off and stored somewhere they are not easily accessible during the school day.
The policy extends beyond cell phones to include devices such as smartwatches and earbuds. The goal is to reduce distractions, improve academic performance and address concerns about student mental health.
Before the change, Iola students could use their phones during lunch and passing periods, although restrictions applied during class. Carson said the previous system had been generally effective in managing behavior and minimizing classroom disruptions, but noted the new policy is yielding greater results.
ONE OF the clearest benefits has been a reduction in classroom distractions.
Carson noted that teachers have reported fewer interruptions from students checking their phones, texting or responding to notifications. “This has allowed teachers to spend less time redirecting students and more time focusing on instruction,” Carson said.
Carson believes that change has helped create a more productive learning environment. The school also has taken steps to limit students’ reliance on another familiar piece of technology: the laptop.
This year, IHS students are not allowed to take Chromebooks home. Instead, the laptops are kept in the classrooms and teachers determine when they are needed for instruction. The goal is to ensure technology supports lessons rather than becomes the primary focus of instruction.
The shift grew out of discussions that began after the COVID-19 pandemic, when Chromebook use increased significantly for classroom lessons and homework. As students returned to in-person learning, school administrators determined that technology played a larger role in daily instruction than originally intended. The emergence of artificial intelligence tools also factored into the decision.
To make the system practical, USD 257 purchased enough Chromebook carts to ensure high school classrooms have access to devices whenever they are needed.
THE CHANGES have contributed to improved academic performance, as evidenced by all around higher grades for the first quarter.
“Removing cell phones from the school day and limiting Chromebook access have both played a significant role in that improvement,” he said.
The school previously could use phone privileges as a reward for students who maintained good grades, attended school regularly or demonstrated positive behavior. With that option no longer available, administrators are exploring other ways to recognize students who make good decisions.
