Nest News
Liberty High School
New Missouri State Law on Cell Phone Use During School Hours
Dear Liberty Families,
A state law in Missouri (Senate Bill 68/Senate Bill 1481), signed by Governor Mike Kehoe, now prohibits students from using or displaying personal electronic communication devices, including cell phones, during the entire school day. This includes instructional time, passing periods, lunch, and nest time (study hall).
This statewide initiative reflects a growing consensus on the importance of creating focused, distraction-free learning environments for all students. Research consistently shows that excessive cell phone use can impede learning, contribute to classroom management challenges, and impact student mental health and social development.
What This Means for Your Child:
Beginning August 18, 2025, students will be required to keep their cell phones on silent and out of sight from the first bell to the last. This policy extends to other smart devices such as smartwatches and wireless headphones if they are used for communication or can access content similar to a cell phone.
Exceptions to the Policy:
We understand that there are certain circumstances where cell phone use may be necessary. The new state law does allow for exceptions, and our school policy will reflect these. Exceptions include:
Medical Device Needs: Students who require their cell phone for documented medical purposes (e.g., glucose monitoring, certain medical alerts) will be permitted to use their device as necessary, with proper documentation and communication with school administration. This includes provisions for students with IEPs or 504 plans that specify cell phone use for educational or health reasons.
Emergencies: In the event of a school-wide emergency or a personal emergency requiring immediate communication, students will be able to use their phones under the supervision of school staff. Our school offices remain available for parents to contact students in case of an emergency.
Consequences for Violations:
To ensure a consistent and effective learning environment, there will be clear consequences for violating this new cell phone policy. Our disciplinary actions will escalate with repeated offenses.
We believe this new law will foster a more engaged and positive learning environment for all students. We encourage you to discuss this new policy with your child and reinforce its importance. We appreciate your partnership in supporting our efforts to create the best possible educational experience for our students.
Sincerely,
Ed Nelson
Building Principal
Liberty High School