Kansas bans students from using cellphones during the school day, starting this fall

Kansas — Starting this fall, Kansas will join at least 20 other states that ban student cellphones in K-12 classrooms statewide. Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly on Thursday signed into law a bipartisan bill that requires students to store their cellphones in a secure, inaccessible location until dismissal.

Kelly says the new law will support students’ well-being and the strength of schools in Kansas. “COVID set our kids back in Kansas and across the country,” she said. “And while performance is steadily climbing back up, we need to realize that our children return to the classroom in a different world dominated by artificial intelligence, dangerous algorithms and unhealthy social pressures.”

“It’s extremely concerning, and in the classroom specifically, it’s getting in the way of learning.”

Why it matters: This law reflects a growing trend towards increased state control over education policies, raising concerns about local governance and the autonomy of school boards. The implications for student engagement and mental health are significant, as educators and parents grapple with the balance between technology use and educational focus.

What to watch:

• The implementation challenges faced by school districts in enforcing the ban.
• Potential legal challenges from opponents who argue that such policies should be determined at the local level.
• The impact on student behavior and academic performance as the law takes effect.

Key figures:

• Laura Kelly, Governor — Signed the law to enhance student well-being and focus in classrooms.
• Jerry Stogsdill, State Representative — Criticized the law for infringing on local school board authority.

Source credibility: Shawnee Mission Post provides reliable local news coverage with a focus on community events and governance.

Published: March 20, 2026 10:30 AM

Source: Johnson County Post — https://go.noligarchy.us/FyS84w