As the morning bell rings this fall, many students across the country will be tucking their phones away for the day — whether they like it or not. From statewide bans in Missouri to stricter local policies in Kansas classrooms, schools are drawing a harder line on cell phones, citing concerns over distraction, student behavior, and mental health.
Humboldt USD 258 is among the districts joining the movement.
Students in Humboldt face new restrictions on personal electronic devices as classes resumed this week. Under the updated policy, cell phones, wireless headphones, smart watches used as phones, and other similar devices must be turned off and kept out of sight from 7:55 a.m. to 3:25 p.m. Any device seen or heard during this time will be taken to the office.
AMBER WHEELER, USD 258 superintendent, explained that the district reviewed its personal electronic device policy after the Kansas State Department of Education released recommendations in December 2024 regarding cell phone use in schools. While the state encouraged districts to consider the guidelines, it left the final decision up to local boards. In response, Humboldt USD 258 formed a committee last spring to study the recommendations and make suggestions. The school board then adopted the updated policy in June.
Because the school year has just begun, Wheeler said it was too early to gauge student or parent feedback. However, the change applies across all grade levels. The elementary school has always restricted devices during the school day, and the middle school implemented a “bell-to-bell” policy several years ago. The largest adjustment will be at the high school level, where stricter limits are now in place.
Wheeler noted the committee’s primary goals in recommending the policy change were to reduce distractions, improve focus on learning, and support students’ mental health. “The reason kids come to school is to learn,” she said, adding that minimizing cell phone use during the day helps strengthen the learning environment.
The Humboldt policy outlines escalating consequences for students who do not follow the rules, provided they comply when asked to surrender their device:
• First offense: The device is turned in to the office and held until the end of the day. The student will also serve one detention.
• Second offense: The device is held until the end of the day. High school students will serve a Friday school (detention until 5 p.m.), while middle school students will serve two detentions.
• Third offense: The device is held until the end of the day. High school students will serve a Saturday school and be required to check their phone in at the office daily. Middle school students will receive in-school suspension (ISS).
Consequences reset each semester, though repeated violations may result in additional discipline. Students who refuse to comply with turning in their device will face disciplinary action for noncompliance.
The policy also includes additional guidelines. Students must obtain permission from a teacher or administrator before making video or audio recordings in class. Taking photos or videos of other students or staff without consent is prohibited, and electronic devices with cameras may not be used in restrooms, locker rooms, or dressing rooms.
The district will not be responsible for lost, damaged, or stolen devices. Students with an IEP or 504 Plan that requires the use of a personal device for accommodations may be exempt from the policy, with alternatives explored in collaboration with families. For clarity, the district defines personal electronic devices as student-owned items capable of cellular, Wi-Fi, and/or Bluetooth connectivity, including cell phones, tablets, smart watches, wireless headphones, and fitness trackers.
HUMBOLDT’S new rules come as more states and districts adopt stricter measures. As students start school this year, 17 states and the District of Columbia are imposing new cellphone restrictions. In total, 35 states have passed laws or rules to limit student phone use in schools.
Florida was the first state to pass a law limiting phones in classrooms in 2023, but the movement has spread rapidly. A few more states could still act this year. The push has been supported by Republicans and Democrats due to concerns about phones affecting mental health and learning. States have increasingly enacted full-day bans, also called “bell-to-bell” bans. Another seven states are banning the use of devices during class time, but not between classes or during lunch periods.
Missouri has gone the furthest it can, enacting a statewide ban effective for the 2025-2026 school year. Senate Bill 68 prohibits students from using cell phones or other personal communication devices from the beginning to the end of the school day.
