Disconnect to Reconnect

EDUCATION CATALYST | MERCHANT SHIP COLLECTIVE

Missouri Joins the National Push for Cell Phone-Free Classrooms
In a move that’s already sparking national discussion, Missouri has passed a new bill requiring public schools to restrict student cell phone use during the school day. Designed to reduce distraction and improve student focus, the law goes into effect 90 days after being signed by the governor and will apply to all Missouri public K–12 schools.

Missouri joins a growing movement: At least 21 other states — including Arizona, Arkansas, California, Florida, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, New York, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, and Virginia — have enacted similar policies. Some states have issued statewide mandates, while others encourage school districts to craft their own policies.

Key Aspects of the Missouri Cell Phone Bill:

• Policy Required: School districts must adopt a written policy outlining restrictions and disciplinary procedures.

• Time of Use: Student cell phone use is prohibited from the first bell to the last bell of the school day.

• Disciplinary Procedures: Schools must include clear steps for handling violations of the policy.

• Implementation Decisions: Districts can determine whether phones must be stored in lockers, sealed pouches, or backpacks.

• Exemptions Include:

  • Students with IEP’s or 504 Plans (for educational or medical needs)

  • School Emergencies

Why Now?
This legislation follows mounting concerns from educators and parents about the impact of constant connectivity. As we highlighted in our recent EdTech Snapshot:

• 72% of teachers report decreased student focus since 1:1 devices were introduced (Education Week Research Center, 2022).

• 1 in 3 students experiences anxiety tied to continuous digital access (Common Sense Media, 2023).

• Districts are spending up to $500 per student annually on devices, with little correlation to academic growth (NCES, 2024).

Want a closer look at the numbers?
Download the Free Ed-Tech Snapshot – 6 Data Points Every Leader Should Know
A one-page visual guide packed with data on screen time, student wellness, and instructional time. Perfect for school boards, PD days, and community discussions.

What This Means for Missouri Schools:
This bill doesn’t ban technology — it requires intentional structure. Schools across Missouri will now be tasked with:

• Establishing consistent, developmentally appropriate phone policies

• Communicating those policies clearly to students and families

• Balancing equity, enforcement, and educational flexibility

Real-World Response Ideas:
Here are 4 actionable next steps Missouri educators can begin planning now:

1. Reset Expectations School-wide:
   Build consistent, grade-level appropriate rules and routines. Use class discussions or advisory time to explore how these boundaries reflect real-life expectations.

2. Reclaim Instructional Time:
   Prioritize screen-free activities — hands-on labs, student debates, peer feedback rounds — to restore focus and connection.

3. Connect Policy to the Real World:
   Many employers prohibit personal phone use on the job. Families can support this shift by talking with students about tech expectations in their own workplaces.

4. Support Staff Through PD:
   Provide professional development on implementing the policy, addressing student resistance, and designing tech-integrated lessons that are purposeful — not passive.

Looking for practical tools to support the roll-out — and more?
Visit our Payhip store for downloadable resources created to support educators, school leaders, and families across the country. Whether you're implementing a new phone policy, planning IEP meetings, or resetting school culture, we've got you covered.

Available Now on Payhip:

• The IEP Meeting Prep Pack (For Parents)
  Tools to help families feel confident, organized, and empowered at IEP meetings.

• 504 Plan Parent Starter Kit
  Practical templates and guidance for understanding, organizing, and advocating for 504 services.

• Progress Monitoring Parent Tracker
  A printable and fillable toolkit to help track IEP goals, communication logs, and school supports.

• Understanding Your Rights Mini Guide (Special Education)
  A parent-friendly overview of FAPE, LRE, Prior Written Notice, and key procedural safeguards.

Coming Soon:

• The Educator’s Guide to IEP Goals (eBook + Templates)
  A comprehensive guide for writing academic and executive functioning IEP goals aligned to standards.

• First-Year Special Ed Teacher Starter Toolkit
  Templates, checklists, and planning tools for new special education teachers.

• Re-balancing Ed-Tech in the Classroom (Admin PD Course)
  A school leader’s guide to restoring instructional time, supporting staff, and implementing tech boundaries with intention.

From special education advocacy to instructional redesign, all our tools are built to bring clarity, equity, and real-world solutions to today's classrooms and families around the country.

In solidarity,
The Education Catalyst Team
Merchant Ship Collective

References

Common Sense Media. (2023). The Common Sense Census: Media use by tweens and teens, 2023. https://www.commonsensemedia.org/research/the-common-sense-census-media-use-by-tweens-and-teens-2023

Education Week Research Center. (2022). Technology in schools: Teacher perspectives. https://www.edweek.org/technology

Gallup. (2023). State of American schools: Technology and learning. Gallup, Inc. https://www.gallup.com/education

National Center for Education Statistics. (2024). School spending on technology and 1:1 device implementation. U.S. Department of Education. https://nces.ed.gov/

Pew Research Center. (2023). Teens, social media, and technology 2023. https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2023/teens-social-media-and-technology-2023/