On Tuesday, the Missouri Senate passed Bill 68 aimed at phone use in school. The bill requires Missouri schools to have a policy restricting students’ use of cell phones from the first bell of the school day to the last bell.

Sen. Mike Henderson, a sponsor of the bill, said he was hearing more and more from teachers and researchers about the detriments of cell phone usage in the classroom.

He said the bill was crucial to helping students succeed in the classroom.

“I feel like we’re protecting kids," he said. “I believe in reading, writing, and arithmetic. And if we want kids to be able to do those things and say those things they can’t be on their phone the whole time.”

Bill 68 prohibits device usage not just during instructional time, but during breaks, lunch and study hall as well. The bill does allow exceptions for emergencies, to accommodate a disability or for district and teacher approved instructional purposes.

Todd Fuller, a spokesperson with the Missouri State Teachers Association, said that in a statewide survey of members, a significant number of educators said the first thing they would address in schools is the use of phones and the cell phone policies.

“They would want to make that change first and foremost in their school district," he said.

Henderson said cell phones inhibit socialization among students, pose safety issues through cyberbullying and are a distraction in the classroom.

Fuller added that the issue causes a strain on teachers. “It’s frustrating for them because they are trying to create an environment that is conducive to learning," he said.

Henderson said the issue is important enough that state action is necessary. “I’m willing to be the bad guy because I know in my heart we are doing what’s right for the kids.”

Fulled added that MSTA appreciated the flexibility of the bill. “School districts are going to determine what works best for their district.”

If signed into law, the bill would go into effect this fall, at the start of the 2025-2026 school year.