All six superintendents of schools in Barry County say Missouri’s new law banning cell phones during school hours reinforces efforts they have already made to limit distractions and improve engagement. The ban, signed by Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe in July, prohibits students from using cell phones during school hours except for emergencies, for students with disabilities or medical needs. The policy aims to reduce distractions, enhance learning, improve student mental heath and promote safety via a reduction in cyberbullying.

Merlyn Johnson, superintendent of Cassville Schools, said the legislation is a welcome expansion of existing policies already in place.

“Our existing district-wide policy has long restricted cell phone use, and this new legislation strengthens our ability to enforce consistent expectations across all grade levels,” Johnson said. “While our elementary and middle schools have generally maintained high compliance, the high school has presented greater challenges in enforcement due to most high school students having their own phones.”

“This law supports what we’re already working to prioritize: engagement, relationships and focus in the classroom,” said Mark Drake, Monett super- intendent. “At Monett, we believe learning should be distraction-free, and this law strengthens our ability to create environments where students can be fully present.”

Chris Paullus, superintendent at Wheaton, said the new measure reinforces beliefs the district already holds.

“The intent of this provision does support our core beliefs as a school district,” Paullus said. “At Wheaton, we had already implemented a partial ban within the school system, keeping phones out of instructional spaces.”

Johnson said Cassville will implement Yondr pouches — secure, lockable bags designed to create phone-free environments by allowing individuals to keep their phones with them while preventing use during designated times — for all high school students.

“By securely storing phones, we aim to eliminate the significant distraction that mobile devices pose to the learning environment,” Johnson said. “We anticipate that students will be more engaged and focused on instructional activities without the constant temptation of their devices.”

Southwest Superintendent Tosha Tilford said her district will also use Yondr pouches for students in grades 5-12.

“Upon entering the school building or other designated educational areas, students will switch their phone off or place it on airplane mode, place them in their Yondr pouch with all personal electric devices (PED), and securely lock it,” Tilford said. “Students will keep their locked pouch with them throughout the day, ensuring possession of their device at all times.”

Drake said Monett is advising students to simply keep their phones put away.

“We are asking students to turn off their cell phones and place them in their backpacks during the educational day,” he said.

Wheaton is taking a similar approach.

“Student devices are to be turned off and placed in a student’s backpack or left at home,” Paullus said. “We are advising students to remove all personal communication devices from their person to prevent confusion and temptation to engage with the now banned devices.”

Travis Graham, Purdy superintendent, said Purdy’s policy extends beyond phones.

“Additionally, we will be requiring airpods/ear pieces and smartwatches be put away as well,” he said.

Tilford said Southwest’s new approach aims to remove all distractions throughout the day.

“Southwest Middle School and High School will be a PED-free space to improve teaching and learning,” she said. “Students will maintain possession of their phone and will not use them until their pouches are opened at the end of the school day.”

Graham said the law represents a culture shift, but one he hopes will pay dividends.

“While this law will be a culture shift, we believe it will help support our efforts in teaching our students how to be responsible, productive citizens while establishing healthy habits pertaining to their digital footprint,” Graham said.

Drake said Monett will lean on updated handbooks and parent communication to get the message about the new law across.

“Communication with families will be a key focus as we return to school, ensuring clarity and consistency across all buildings,” he said.

Wheaton is also preparing for the shift in school culture by informing families early and often.

“Over the next few weeks, the district will engage families regarding this change through virtual media releases, at our open house events, and again within our back to school documentation to ensure understanding and strong communication of the new expectations,” Paullus said.

At Purdy, Graham said transparency with families is also central to successful implementation.

“Purdy has received guidance from legal services and has updated district policy, student handbooks and procedures to reflect the law,” Graham said.

At Southwest, Tilford said the new law is a shared priority.

“Southwest is making communication with families a priority through virtual updates, open house events and back-to-school materials,” Tilford said. “The district’s intent is to ensure clarity, consistency and shared understanding of the new expectations across all buildings.”

Johnson said Cassville’s approach will maintain consistency across buildings and clearly set expectations.

“Our guidance for students regarding cell phone use during school hours is clear and consistent across all grade levels, Pre-K through 12,” he said. “Elementary and middle school buildings will continue to uphold their existing no-cell-phone procedures. At the high school, all students will be required to keep their phones securely locked in their Yondr pouches for the entire instructional day, including during passing times and lunch.”

Johnson said Cassville’s discipline policy ranges from confiscation to suspension.

“At the high school, for first offenses, parents will be required to pick up confiscated phones,” he said. “Subsequent violations will result in increasingly stringent consequences, including in-school suspension for initial repeat offenders and out-of-school suspension for continued non-compliance.”

Drake said Monett’s approach is centered on correction.

“Our consequences are structured to be corrective, not punitive,” he said.

Graham echoed the same language in Purdy.

“This approach allows for learning, accountability and consistency,” Graham said.

At Southwest, Tilford said the process escalates with each offense.

“If a student damages their pouch or is caught on their phone, Administration will collect the phone and call home,” she said.

Paullus said Wheaton has outlined progressive discipline for repeated violations.

“The student will serve an additional day of afterschool detention per offense, or be subjected to further disciplinary action as necessary,” he said.

Each district has a tiered discipline system, starting with confiscation and returning by end of day, confiscation and returning directly to a parent, then confiscation and some manner of detention or suspension.

Looking forward, Johnson said Cassville expects a number of positive outcomes.

“We believe this ban will encourage more genuine and meaningful interactions between students and among students and staff, fostering a stronger school community,” he said.

Drake said he hopes the law helps solidify a foundation that Monett has worked on for years.

“Our hope is that this law provides momentum for something we’ve been working toward for years: better student engagement, healthier social interactions and more meaningful relationships between students and staff,” he said.

Tilford said the law represents an opportunity to refocus on students’ needs.

“Southwest aims for students to be actively involved in their learning, to demonstrate increased academic engagement and to experience improved mental wellness,” she said.

Graham said he expects stronger relationships and fewer digital distractions.

“Additionally, we hope to see healthier social interactions and more meaningful relationships between students and staff,” he said. “We also believe it will diminish distractions, negative social media interactions, improve mental wellness and foster a stronger academic culture.” Paullus said the new regulation supports Wheaton’s mission beyond just academics.

“We hope to see more meaningful engagement between students, stronger personal communication skills, stronger relationships within the classrooms, stronger classroom engagement with academic material and improved mental health among our student population,” he said.

Johnson said the move is not anti-technology, but rather, a call for balance.

“It is important to clarify that our stance on this new policy is not an indictment of advanced technology itself,” he said. “We also recognize the importance of understanding the appropriate time and place for their use.”

Tim Jordan, superintendent at Exeter, said implementation details are still in progress, but the goal remains the same as other districts in Barry County.

“Exeter wants to focus on maximizing student engagement in learning while also enhancing student interaction with peers and adults in order to improve social skills,” he said.