(From the Carthage R-9 School District)Important Update: New Expectations for Student Use of Personal Electronic Devices
A new Missouri law (Senate Bill 68), passed in May 2025, now requires all public schools to adopt clear policies that prohibit the use of personal electronic devices during the school day. This includes cell phones, earbuds, smartwatches, and other devices—during class, passing periods, and lunch.
This law goes into effect at the start of the 2025–2026 school year and is aimed at minimizing distractions, improving student engagement, and supporting a stronger learning environment.
Here’s what families and students need to know:
Students may not use or display cell phones, earbuds, smartwatches, or other personal electronic devices at any time during the school day, including during passing time and lunch. Smartwatches may be worn as a watch, however, should not be used as a communication device.
Exceptions may be made for students with specific medical or educational needs, as documented in an IEP, 504 Plan, or an individual health plan as documented by a physician.
We will put together a list of frequently asked questions as the year progresses and continue to communicate with you.
We understand that this new law is a shift for students and families. We encourage you to talk with your child about the upcoming expectations and why these changes are being made. By working together, we can help students develop healthier and more focused habits around technology.
10 comments:
So who is going to collect these phones and keep them all day? I think they should be allowed to have them at lunch. There will most likely be some push back.
Good deal kids need a break from the phone, maybe they will actually learn how to communicate
I think this is a great idea, but enforcement is going to be tough and I agree with the other commenter - why prohibit them at lunch?
Yes everyone can benefit from less screen time and actually paying attention.
I say parents can pick them up when they are confiscated.
actually not pretty easy to enforce its a no brainer staff see a phone or device they aren't suppose to have they confiscate really pretty self explanatory
Spoken like a true non teacher. Confiscating a $1000 item from a student without parent backlash. LAUGH OUT LOUD!
As soon as a teacher or administrator confiscates a $1000 phone from a student the school is probably responsible for a $1000 phone.
What could go wrong?
I think this is a good idea. Also, I think the childs' PARENT(S) should be responsible for limiting/monitoring screen time rather than dumping another non-education related responsibility on our overburdened and under-compensated teachers. But I guess when teachers are required to carry guns - in a futile attempt protect themselves and your kids from getting shot at school - confiscating phones will be a tad easier.
Student can walk it to the office and place it into a secure area... quit coddling these kids and have expectations and consequences. We have already ruined a generation... let's right the ship
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