When classes returned to session at the Montgomery County and Wellsville-Middletown school districts on Aug. 19, students had to follow a new rule – no cell phones.

Use of cell phones in schools has been prohibited statewide after lawmakers approved Senate Bill 68, which means that no personal use of electronic devices – including smartwatches and earbuds – can be used at any time during school hours. The bill was signed by Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe in July.

According to a letter that was written by first-year R-II Superintendent Brian White in early August, the school district will develop a policy that will be implemented on the first day of the 2026-27 school year. The policy will state that no cell phones or any electronic device will be used during the school day, phones will need to be stored out of sight or left at home, cell phone use will not be used during lunch or any non-instructional hours. The policy will also have a list of consequences if any student disobeys the cell phone rule.

White posted the letter on social media on Aug. 7, a little over a month after he started duties as superintendent. He stated in the letter the school district is obligated to enforce the cell phone policy.

“We understand that cell phone use and access are complex and issues that vary from family to family,” White said. “However, this new policy is being implemented in direct response to a state law. While our policy will reflect the intent and hold true to the mandate, we will also make sure it is as reflective of our local community as much as possible.”

Any student in the R-II School District using a cell phone inappropriately will have to send it to the staff member and parents or guardians will be notified. Students who continue to disobey the cell phone rule will either have their cell phone confiscated or serve a suspension.

The ban of cell phones in schools will help the students focus more on learning during the school day. White said in his letter that he hopes the parents in the community understand the new law the state has implemented.

“We know this change may be an adjustment to some families,” White said. “While the law aims to reduce distractions, improve academic focus and enhance student well-being, we recognize that not every family or student will see this as a welcome change.”

Second-year W-M R-I Superintendent Tiffany Gosseen said the cell phone law helps create a safer and more productive school environment. She informed parents and students with a letter about the new law. Students were again reminded about the cell phone policy during a welcome back assembly on Aug. 19.

“I am pleased to say that students are adapting to the change,” Gosseen said. “Cell phones are turned off and stored in lockers. Students know they can use the telephone in the office if they have to contact a parent, just as parents are aware that our office staff will get a message to their child when the need arises. I do not mind bragging that we generally have very few discipline problems anyway. I do not anticipate that changing due to the recent cell phone legislation.”