Kansas and Maine implement statewide school cellphone bans

Statewide policies restricting personal electronic devices in schools are being implemented in Kansas and Maine to reduce classroom distractions and social media influence.

In Kansas, a law signed by Governor Laura Kelly requires K-12 students to turn in cellphones, smartwatches, headphones, and tablets for storage in lockers. Devices can only be retrieved at the end of the school day. The policy also prohibits school employees from using social media to communicate with students for school-related purposes. Exceptions are permitted for medical necessities or specific educational programs.

In Maine, a “bell-to-bell” restriction requires school boards to implement policies prohibiting the use of personal electronic devices throughout the school day. While the law mandates the prohibition of use, it does not explicitly dictate whether students must surrender devices to staff, leading to discussions regarding the storage, liability, and ownership of devices that may belong to parents.