On Monday, January 12th, 2026, senators introduced Senate Bill (SB) 302. This bill prohibits the use of personal electronic devices not issued by the school district during school hours. This includes devices such as: A mobile or cellular phone, a tablet, a computer, a smartwatch, wireless headphones or earbuds, a text messaging device, and a personal digital assistant. On January 13th, it was referred to the Committee of Education, and if it gets approved, SB 302 will be implemented throughout all schools across the state by July 2026.
Under this new bill, each school district is required to follow four requirements. First, they have to adopt policies prohibiting student cell phone use during instructional time. They also have to create enforcement procedures and disciplinary actions for violations, and they have to ban school employees from privately messaging students on social media platforms. Finally, school districts have to submit certification to the Kansas State Board of Education by September 1st, 2026, confirming the adoption of required policies.
With SB 302, individuals believe that it will improve academic performance, reduce cyberbullying, enhance focus, and reduce classroom disruptions. According to Senate Majority Leader Chase Blasi of Sedgwick County (R), “Phone-free schools give students space to think, build authentic human relationships, and protect student mental health from constant digital pressure. The longer phones stay in classrooms, the harder it becomes to undo the damage” (Self). Senate Minority Leader Dinah Sykes of Johnson County (D) also spoke on this topic and stated, “Studies show that classrooms without phones have more engaged students leading to face-to-face conversations, stronger peer relationships, safer school environments, and better academic outcomes” (Self). Overall, people think that this bill will help improve things for students in the classroom.
If this bill ends up taking effect for the 2026-2027 school year, students will have to put all personal devices away in an inaccessible place from the start of the day to dismissal time. They are not allowed to have it during lunch or passing period, and if phones are seen, the school will either confiscate them, impose detention, give suspensions, or points may be taken off certain assignments in the class that the phone was used in. Students are also not allowed to use their own personal devices to call home, but they are allowed to use the school phone for special circumstances. There are two exceptions to this bill, though. For example, if a device is required for the student’s individual educator or 504 program, they are allowed to have it for the day. The other situation that allows students to have personal devices is if it is approved by a licensed physician as a medical necessity to support the health or well-being of that individual.
Overall, many schools have already adopted similar rules to this bill. While nothing has been agreed upon yet, this bill looks very promising. Although this bill may seem like a big change, its intention is to eliminate distractions for students, which will ultimately be beneficial for them in the classroom.
Works Cited
Kaminski, Anna, et al. “Kansas lawmakers want statewide K-12 cellphone ban by next school year • Kansas Reflector.” Kansas Reflector, 7 January 2026, https://kansasreflector.com/2026/01/07/kansas-lawmakers-want-statewide-k-12-cell-phone-ban-by-next-school-year/. Accessed 31 January 2026.
Motter, Sarah. “Kansas lawmakers push bill to ban cell phones in schools.” KCTV5, 6 January 2026, https://www.kctv5.com/2026/01/06/kansas-lawmakers-push-bipartisan-bill-ban-cell-phones-all-schools/. Accessed 31 January 2026.
Rock, Amy. “Which States Have Banned Cell Phones in Schools?” Campus Safety Magazine, https://www.campussafetymagazine.com/insights/which-states-have-banned-cell-phones-in-schools/161286/. Accessed 31 January 2026.
Self, Matthew. “What is inside the proposed cell phone ban for Kansas schools?” KSNT, 6 January 2026, https://www.ksnt.com/capitol-bureau/what-is-inside-the-proposed-cell-phone-ban-for-kansas-schools/. Accessed 30 January 2026.
Self, Matthew. “What is inside the proposed cell phone ban for Kansas schools?” KSNT, 6 January 2026, https://www.ksnt.com/capitol-bureau/what-is-inside-the-proposed-cell-phone-ban-for-kansas-schools/. Accessed 31 January 2026.
