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Kansas Joins States that Ban Students From Using Their Phones in School
The law mandates all Kansas K-12 schools bar personal device use during the school day, with exceptions for medical needs and IEPs, aiming to improve student focus and mental health.
- On March 19, 2026, Governor Laura Kelly signed the bill into law requiring Kansas public schools and accredited private schools to ban personal electronic devices during the entire school day.
- Amid concerns about distractions and youth mental health, lawmakers advanced the measure earlier this month with bipartisan votes in the Kansas Legislature, including a 84-39 House vote.
- The law requires Personal electronic communication devices, including smartphones and tablets, to be turned off and stored in inaccessible locations unless exempted for medical necessity or IEP/504 plans, with exceptions for district-issued devices and school phones.
- Districts face questions about costs and enforcement, including critics warning it overrides local control and citing about $13.4 million for fabric pouches costing about $30 each, with certification due by September 1, 2026.
- Kansas will join at least 20 other states by this fall, shielding Kansas school districts from liability and exempting virtual schools while allowing phones for students traveling for off-site learning.
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Kansas bans students from using cellphones during the school day, starting this fall
Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly on Thursday signed a bipartisan law requiring students to store their phones in a secure, inaccessible location until dismissal. It's part of a recent push to reconsider the effects of devices on the developing minds of kids.
Hastings Tribune+2 Reposted by 2 other sources
Kansas joins states that ban students from using their phones in school
Kansas joins states that ban students from using their phones in school TOPEKA — Starting next school year, students across Kansas won’t be able to use their cellphones at school after Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly signed the ban into law…
·Nebraska, United States
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources19
Leaning Left4Leaning Right0Center9Last UpdatedBias Distribution69% Center
Bias Distribution
- 69% of the sources are Center
69% Center
L 31%
C 69%
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