Special Edition KSD eSpotlight

For the 2025-26 school year, all Kirkwood schools will be cell phone-free during the school day. This includes all personal devices, including other cell-based devices, such as smartwatches, air pods, wireless headphones, etc. Students will be able to bring devices to school, but will need to keep them off and away during the school day, including during meals, recess and passing periods. Students with specific medical or other documented needs may have accommodations made.

While this is not a significant change at some levels, we recognize it is a notable shift, especially at the high school level. Below is more information on why the update is being implemented and some frequently asked questions.

Cell phone use by adolescents is widely known to contribute to mental health issues, and they are a disruption to the learning environment. In 2024, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy published an advisory on social media and youth mental health. During the 2024-25 school year, the Kirkwood School District Wellness Committee examined the research on the effects of social media and smartphones on student mental health and wellness. They presented to the Board of Education and planned to bring recommendations forward on potential policy or procedures changes related to cell phone and personal device use.

During the 2025 legislative session, the Missouri legislature passed a law requiring all Missouri school districts to implement a policy that would limit students’ use of personal devices during the school day. The Governor signed the bill into law in July. Kirkwood Schools accelerated our work in response to the law and has passed policies and implemented procedures to limit the use of personal devices in our district. The law includes any portable device that is used to initiate, receive, store, or view communication, information, images, or data electronically. This includes other cell-based devices, such as smartwatches, wireless ear buds, personal tablets etc.

Please talk to your student about the updates and how our schools will not allow cell phones, personal devices, or smart watches during the school day for the upcoming school year. Share with them that it’s important to limit distractions during the school day and maximize learning and in-person social connection. Let them know they should use their personal devices only when permitted, such as before and after—but not during—the school day. If you utilize parental controls, you may want to consider setting restrictions on notifications and time limits on apps to avoid the impulse to access their devices when it’s not permitted.

Frequently asked questions are also posted on our website. They will be updated online as needed.

When will this go into effect?
This approach would begin on August 19, 2025, the first day of school for the 25-26 school year. Students and parents will receive reminders before the start of the school year.

What about personal devices other than cell phones?
The law and policy cover any portable device that is used to initiate, receive, store, or view communication, information, images, or data electronically. It includes personal devices such as smartwatches, wireless earbuds and headphones, tablets, and laptops. These items can not be out or on display during the school day. Wired headphones are still permitted.

Can my student have access to their device while traveling to and from school?

Students are allowed to bring their personal devices on the bus and to school. When the school day begins, their personal device should be turned off completely and stored away.

Can my student have access to their device before or after school?

Yes, students may be permitted to use their personal devices before and after school depending on the current expectations of their school building.

What if there is an emergency and I need to reach my student?
If you need to reach your child, call the main or grade level office at school, which will notify the child. While our office staff works to minimize distractions and disruptions during class, they understand there are situations when you need to reach your student. In the event of an emergency, office staff will immediately notify the student and provide support as needed. During a schoolwide emergency, teachers and staff may allow students to use personal technology devices.

What happens if a student refuses to keep their phone or smartwatch put away?
Students who choose not to comply with the policy will face disciplinary actions as outlined in the discipline code. These measures are designed to encourage cooperation while maintaining a positive classroom atmosphere.

Are there accommodations and/or exceptions to the policy?

• Students with IEPs or 504s or other individualized student plans

• Medical needs

• We understand that some students may need access to their phones or smartwatches for health-related purposes, such as monitoring medical devices. School administration will work with students and families to ensure appropriate accommodations to meet the student’s medical needs.

• Educational purposes

• If an educator determines that a cellphone or other device is necessary for a specific activity or lesson, they may permit students to use their devices during that time with administrative approval. Otherwise, phone and personal device use is restricted during class.
  
  

How do staff manage student well-being and provide SEL support?
We realize some students may have emotional responses to phone restrictions, such as anxiety or frustration. Our schools will work to provide social-emotional learning support and help students understand the importance of avoiding distractions during the school day. Our counselors are available for support as well. If you would like to talk more with your students about maintaining their digital wellbeing, there are resources below:

• Ditch the Distractions: Supporting Kids and Teens with Phone Notifications

• Cellphones and Devices: A Guide for Parents and Caregivers