Cells in schools: Park Hill District shares policy changes

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - Cell phones in classrooms have been a hot topic for school districts in recent years, with several metro districts enacting new policies. The latest district to make changes is the Park Hill School District.

At a board presentation Thursday evening, May 8, attendees learned of the district’s new electronic practices at the high schools for the 2025-26 school year.

A team of 30 students, parents, staff, and s spent the 2024-25 school year studying research and best practices related to the use of personal electronic devices at the high school level.  Based on from both the elementary and middle school levels and recommendations from the high school task force, starting August 2025, high school students will no longer be allowed to use personal electronic devices during class time.

This includes cell phones, smart watches, earbuds/headphones, gaming devices, tablets, laptops, or other personal devices that connect to the internet and/or have WIFI or Bluetooth connection.

Device usage during ing periods and lunch will be allowed; however, the district says it is closely monitoring the Missouri legislative session, currently working through Senate Bill 68, which could restrict personal electronic devices in schools completely.

The task force data included from almost 3,000 survey responses from high school students, staff, and families. The driving forces behind the changes include, but are not limited to:

• Decreasing distractions in the classroom
• Improved student mental health and safety

A Park Hill District spokesperson also stressed they are working toward providing clear expectations for students, families, and staff for communication moving forward on things such as activities, athletics, and general happenings.

The new high school procedures come on the heels of the district prohibiting personal electronic devices at the elementary and middle schools in the 2024-25 school year.

For a look at ongoing stories related to cells in school, click here.

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