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At the start of the year, Kansas lawmakers proposed a statewide ban on cell phones in K‑12 schools, with support from both parties and Gov. Laura Kelly. The goal is to reduce distractions, limit screen time, and protect students’ mental health. The original plan would have required schools to store phones in locked pouches all day, restricted teacher-student social media contact, and tracked screen time for younger students.

However, according to the Kansas News Service, the bill has stalled and changed in committee, now making the ban a recommendation rather than a mandate and exempting private schools. Lawmakers and local school boards have raised concerns about local control, costs, and one-size-fits-all rules. Many districts already have cell phone policies, and some students and parents argue phones help with responsibility and communication, especially for teens with jobs. The debate highlights a larger discussion about balancing student well-being, digital habits, and local authority. Experts say effective policies need input from parents, districts, and students, rather than a strict statewide mandate, to reflect the needs of each community.