KANSAS CITY — Students returning to school this fall in the Kansas City Kansas School District (KCKPS) could be greeted with stricter rules around cell phone and electronic device use, as district officials consider a new policy proposal aimed at minimizing distractions in the classroom.
At a recent school board meeting, members reviewed a draft of a policy that, if approved, would impose specific restrictions on students’ use of cell phones, smartwatches, and other personal electronics during school hours.
What the Proposed Rules Say
While the policy has not yet been officially adopted, the outlined framework sets clear expectations for students across all grade levels. Here’s a breakdown by student group:
For Pre-K, Elementary, and Middle School Students:
Under the proposal:
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Personal electronic devices — including smartphones, smartwatches, and tablets — must be kept inside backpacks or another secure area designated by school staff throughout the school day.
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If a student does not bring a backpack and no storage area is provided by the school, they are expected to leave devices at home.
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All devices brought to school must be silenced or set to “school mode” or “do not disturb” mode.
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Headphones and earpods may only be used with school-issued devices and only when permitted by a teacher.
For High School Students:
Older students would also see limits on device use, though with a bit more flexibility:
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Phones and other electronics must be stored in backpacks or bags during class.
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If no bag is available, teachers may assign a designated area in the classroom for secure storage.
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Students may use devices during lunch, passing periods, or other non-instructional times.
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Use of personal devices during class is only permitted with a teacher’s approval.
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All devices must remain silenced and in “school mode” or “do not disturb” mode for the duration of the school day.
The policy also includes guidance for emergencies, stating that all personal electronics must be silenced to avoid disruption and confusion.
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Looking at Other Districts for Inspiration
The KCKPS proposal draws influence from policies already enacted by other school systems in the region. Notably, the Blue Valley and Shawnee Mission school districts implemented their own electronic device guidelines last year. District leaders reviewed these frameworks while crafting their own approach.
Not Yet Finalized
It’s important to note that this new policy remains in the proposal stage. The school board has not yet voted to implement the changes. Further discussion and potential amendments are expected at an upcoming board meeting before any rules go into effect.
Why the Change?
While district officials have not publicly stated a specific incident prompting the policy, the trend of limiting personal electronics in schools is growing nationwide. Many districts cite concerns about classroom distraction, student engagement, and social media-related issues as motivation for such rules.
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What’s Next?
The Kansas City Kansas School Board will continue reviewing the policy before making a final decision. If approved, the new rules could be implemented at the start of the next academic year, impacting thousands of students across all grade levels.
Stay tuned for updates from future board meetings, where the fate of the proposed policy will be determined.
