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Cell Phones in Schools

Mehlville School District is going cell-phone free

Cell phone that says "powered off and put away"

What is the new policy?

Beginning with the 2025-2026 school year, Missouri law (Senate Bill 68) requires that all school districts adopt a policy restricting students’ use of electronic personal communication devices during the school day (from arrival bell to dismissal bell). The Mehlville Board of Education has adopted Policy JFCD: Student Use of Personal Communication Devices to comply with this law.

At Mehlville School District, we support strong and respectful relationships, student and staff well-being and distraction-free opportunities to learn and grow. We expect students to keep their personal communication devices off and put away throughout the school day so they can fully engage in learning and social interactions.

What is considered a personal communication device?

A personal communication device is any portable electronic device used to initiate, receive, store or view communications, information, images or data electronically. This includes cell phones, smart watches, personal laptops, tablets, video game devices and portable media players.

There are exceptions if …

  • There is an emergency at school. Emergencies may include serious, unexpected and dangerous situations that require immediate action, including, but not limited to, an immediate safety threat to the school, fire, tornado, earthquake, an evacuation or a medical emergency. 
  • As indicated by a student’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP), 504 plan, individualized healthcare plan or federal law. Reach out to your counselor, area coordinator or principal for support if you feel your child needs access to their personal device. 
  • When authorized by a teacher or principal for an approved educational purpose.

     

How will parents be able to reach students during the school day?

If you need to reach your student during the school day, please call the school office. Our staff will ensure your message is delivered promptly or will bring your student to the office if necessary.

What are the consequences for using a personal device at school?

Our teachers and staff work hard to establish routines and clear expectations during the first few days of school. We will be working to ensure students understand the new cell phone restrictions. The first offense, as outlined in our discipline policy, could involve a verbal reminder or conference with a principal. School personnel may confiscate the device and return it at the end of the school day.

Where should devices be stored?

Students can keep their powered off personal communication devices in their backpacks, lockers or elsewhere with their personal belongings. We expect these devices to be out of sight during the school day. 

Where can I find the full policy on cell phones in school?

The Mehlville Board of Education has adopted Policy JFCD: Student Use of Personal Communication Devices and revisions to Administrative Procedure EHB-AP1: Technology Usage and Regulation JG-R1: Student Discipline to comply with this law.