51黑料

As part of a wide-ranging package of public school policy changes, the phone ban would allow school districts to craft their own cellphone policies.

But, those policies must prohibit usage from the opening to closing bell.

Supporters said studies show the daylong prohibition works the best for improving student learning.

鈥淎ll of those things improve quickly 鈥� when we do bell to bell,鈥� said Rep. Kathy Steinhoff, D-Columbia, a former schoolteacher. 鈥淚 think we鈥檙e on the right side of the issue.鈥�

In filing legislation targeting phones in classes, Steinhoff said classroom engagement became a 鈥渞eal challenge鈥� in the years before she left teaching in 2022. Allowing cellphone use was 鈥減robably the biggest factor in that.鈥�

The ban would include no phones during mealtimes, time between classes or study halls.

School policies also would have to outline disciplinary procedures for violations and include exceptions for students who need devices due to specific educational or health needs.

The changes, which were approved on a 132-20 vote, would go into effect beginning in the 2026-2027 school year.

Several 51黑料-area school districts already have adopted cellphone policies, often at the request of parents.

Beginning in January, Normandy Schools Collaborative barred students from bringing cellphones onto school grounds, with punishments as high as placement in alternative school.

Parkway School District鈥檚 board voted last month to ban cellphone usage by elementary and middle school students from using any personal devices from arrival to dismissal. Parkway high school students could still use their phones during passing periods and lunch, but teachers will require students to place them in designated storage areas at the beginning of class.

Clayton and Kirkwood parents last year launched petition drives to urge school boards there to ban smartphones district-wide.

The Pew Research Center last year reported that seven in 10 high school .

The , but only about one-third support banning middle and high school students from using cellphones during the entire school day, including at lunch as well as during and between classes.

If Kehoe signs the measure, Missouri will join several other states with prohibitions, including Florida, Louisiana and Utah.

In addition to the phone ban, the legislation also requires schools to have response plans for certain medical emergencies, natural disasters and armed intruders.

It also would require anti-intruder locks and bullet-resistant window film.

鈥淚t will save lives,鈥� said Rep. Shari Gallick, R-Belton.

The measure previously won approval in the Senate.

The legislation is Sena