A significant change is on the horizon for students at Iola High School as Kansas moves forward with a statewide ban on personal electronic devices during the school day.
In March, Governor Laura Kelly signed House Bill 2299 into law, requiring all K-12 schools to enforce a “bell-to-bell” prohibition on cell phones and similar devices by September 2026. The law mandates that devices be turned off and kept in a location where they are not easily accessible, with the goal of reducing distractions, improving academic performance, and addressing concerns about student mental health.
At Iola High School, Principal Scott Carson said the district is already preparing for the shift, though many details are still being worked out. “We’ll finish this year with the current policy and the new one will begin next fall,” Carson said.
Currently, Iola students are allowed to have their phones during passing periods and lunch, with restrictions in place during class time. That system, Carson said, has generally been effective in helping manage behavior and minimize disruptions.
Under the new law, however, phones will be removed entirely from the school day.
“They won’t be allowed here at all,” Carson said. “Bell to bell — from 8 to 3:30.”
The policy applies not only to cell phones but also to other personal electronic devices such as smartwatches and earbuds. Students will be required to keep them turned off and stored in a way that prevents easy access throughout the day.
WHILE THE expectation is clear, how schools will meet the requirements is less certain. One of the biggest challenges lies in the law’s requirement that devices not be “easily accessible,” which limits common storage options.
“Backpacks don’t work,” Carson said. “Lockers that they can get in won’t work. They really just can’t bring a phone to school unless they leave it at the office.”
For students who drive, keeping phones in their vehicles may be an option. But for those who walk or rely on other transportation, schools may need to provide a secure way to store devices during the day. The law does not include funding for storage solutions, and options such as secure pouches can be costly. Carson noted that some of the pouches cost around $30 each.
“You don’t want to spend money and then all of a sudden, the guidelines change,” Carson said, noting that districts across the state are still discussing options and waiting to see if further guidance is issued.
For now, Iola High remains in what Carson described as a “holding pattern,” continuing to gather information and plan for implementation over the summer.
Carson added that the plan is to communicate changes to families through established channels, including social media and the district’s ParentSquare app. Students have already begun hearing about the upcoming policy in an effort to prepare them ahead of time.
Carson said most students are aware of the change and have begun adjusting their expectations. “We have good kids,” he said. “I’ve heard a lot of them say, ‘Eh, it won’t bother me much.’”
Even so, he noted the true impact may not be felt until the policy is fully in place.
With a stricter policy comes the need for stronger enforcement. Carson said the school will likely take a firmer approach, particularly early in the transition, to set expectations.
