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Poplar Bluff School District

Achieving Excellence Through Learning: Every Child, Every Hour, Every Day

Distraction-Free Classrooms

Supporting Distraction-Free Classrooms:
Missouri’s Law on Student Cell Phone Use

On July 9, 2025, Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe signed Senate Bill 68 (SB 68) into law, requiring all Missouri school districts to adopt policies banning the use and display of personal electronic devices by students during school hours.

Beginning with the 2025-2026 school year, all Missouri schools must enforce a written policy that prohibits students from using or displaying personal communication devices, such as cell phones, from the start of the school day until dismissal. This includes instructional time, lunch periods, breaks, transitions between classes, and study halls.

Policy JFCD: Student Use of Personal Communication Devices

Important Exceptions

  • Individual Plans

    Students whose IEP, Section 504, or health care plan requires device access will continue to be fully supported.

  • Accommodations

    Federal protections for students with disabilities and English language learners are honored and unaffected by this policy.

  • Emergency Use

    In the event of an emergency, or when a staff member authorizes use for learning, devices are permitted.

How does this impact Poplar Bluff Schools?
Poplar Bluff Schools has been proactive in creating a focused, distraction-free learning environment. During the 2024-2025 school year, we introduced a cell phone-free policy in grades 7-12 using Yondr pouches. Students in these grades secure their phones and Bluetooth-capable devices in a locked pouch they keep with them throughout the day, unlocking them only after dismissal.

With SB 68 now in place, our cell phone-free policy will expand to all grade levels. While Yondr pouches will continue to be used only in grades 7-12, all students, regardless of grade, will be expected to keep their personal electronic devices put away and unused during the school day.

What families need to do now

  • Talk with your student: Discuss the new law and reinforce the importance of staying focused and engaged during school hours.
  • Plan ahead for communication needs: If you need to reach your child during the day, please call your school’s main office.
  • Review any medical or individual needs: If device use is necessary for health or learning needs, work with your building principal to ensure proper documentation and accommodations.
  • Remind your child: Follow school procedures and respect staff directions regarding devices.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • No. Yondr pouches will continue to be used only in grades 7 through 12. However, the cell phone-free expectation now applies to all grade levels.

  • Students will not have access to their devices. Please contact the school’s main office, and staff will deliver any important messages.

  • Exceptions for medical or documented individual needs will continue to be addressed on a case-by-case basis. Please contact your school to discuss and document any necessary accommodations.

  • Disciplinary procedures and consequences for violations will be outlined in our district’s student handbook and policies, and will be consistently enforced in line with the new law.

  • Research shows that reducing cell phone use during school helps students stay more focused, engaged, and connected with their learning and peers. This law supports our existing efforts to create a positive learning environment.