photo by: AdobeStock

An AdobeStock photo illustrates cell phone usage in a classroom.

Even though the Lawrence school district changed its cellphone policy less than two years ago to improve student learning, it may have to change it again to comply with a new state law.

Kansas’ new school phone law – House Bill 2299 – creates a bell-to-bell ban on student use of personal electronic devices during the school day, meaning students can’t use cellphones, smartwatches, earbuds or similar devices from the first bell to dismissal. This includes during lunch as well as passing periods. Students must have their personal electronic communication devices turned off and put in an inaccessible location during the school day.

This law is specifically toward public and accredited private schools, requiring districts and school boards to adopt policies that follow this ban for their elementary, middle and high schools. There are limited exceptions, including the use of devices for medical reasons, disability accommodations or other approved needs outlined in an individualized education plan.

Lawmakers have said the law aims to reduce the number of distractions in classrooms, improve student focus and academic performance. This law will also address concerns about the effects of phone and social media use on a student’s mental health. The law also restricts school staff from communicating with students through social media.

Lawrence school board members have already made some changes to its own cellphone and electronic devices policy to mitigate use in classrooms after concerns were brought up by parents and educators. However, it’s more lenient than the state law.

In December 2024, board members approved a policy that prohibits cellphone and electronic device use during class time, unless it is utilized for a specific instructional purpose, as directed by their teacher. High school students are allowed to use their devices during non-instructional activities, such as lunch and passing periods.

At the middle and elementary school levels, students are not allowed to use cellphones or other devices during the scheduled school day. For early-childhood through fifth-grade students, if they bring a device to school, it must be kept in their backpacks for the entire day.

The district has exceptions to this policy for students in the case of an emergency and documented medical needs.

The district didn’t issue an outright ban on cellphones and other electronic devices because “a ban would limit students’ ability to use phones for safety before and after school. The policy seeks a balance,” according to a fact sheet on the 2024 changes.

With the new law, the district may have to tighten its existing cellphone policy in order to comply with the stricter, bell-to-bell prohibition on student device use.

“Lawrence Public Schools closely monitored the recently adjourned Kansas Legislative session, and is currently seeking clarification on each of the new laws impacting K-12 schools,” Jake Potter, a district spokesperson, told the Journal-World via email.

As the Journal-World reported, the district began using ParentSquare during the 2025-2026 school year to unify communications with families through a single app for alerts, messaging, and forms. Potter said the district would continue to utilize the platform for approved and monitored communications from staff to students and families.

While the district already limits phones during instructional time, the new state law would require officials to expand that ban to include lunch periods and passing time, eliminating allowances currently in place for high school students during non-instructional parts of the day.

The district would also need to ensure all personal electronic devices are powered off and stored in inaccessible locations throughout the entire school day, which could prompt changes to enforcement practices and possibly require new storage procedures.

“The district is currently working with the board’s Policy Committee members and legal counsel to consider required adjustments to practice, policy, and procedure, and ensure compliance with the new law specific to student access to personal electronic communication devices,” Potter said via email.

Potter said any recommended changes to current policies and procedures will be discussed in open session by the school board and submitted to the Kansas State Board of Education by September 1, 2026.