By Trish Svoboda/Image courtesy Canva

Gov. Laura Kelly signed the bipartisan “bell to bell no cell” bill mandating that K–12 schools restrict cellphone use in classrooms across Kansas.

According to a news release, the Kansas House voted last Tuesday to approve Senate amendments to HB 2299, sending the measure to the governor’s desk. Gov. Kelly held a bill-signing ceremony Thursday, March 19.

The new law requires public school districts and accredited private schools in Kansas to adopt policies limiting student cellphone use during school hours. It also bars school staff from communicating with students through social media, except for official school-related purposes.

“In our rapidly changing world, technology dominates our lives, and that’s why it’s essential that we reduce distractions in the classroom,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “We must have one uniform standard across the state to tackle this issue and set our students up for success. By banning cell phone use during the school day, we’re taking a commonsense approach to address the impact smartphones and social media have on Kansas children’s academic performance, learning environments, and mental health.”