Personal Devices

For the 2025-26 school year, all Kirkwood schools will be cell phone-free during the school day. This includes all personal devices, including other cell-based devices, such as smartwatches, air pods, wireless headphones, etc.

Students will be able to bring devices to school, but will need to keep them off and away during the school day, including during meals, recess and passing periods. Students with specific medical or other documented needs may have accommodations made.

Why is this change being made?

Cell phone use by adolescents is widely known to contribute to mental health issues, and they are a disruption to the learning environment. In 2024, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy published an advisory on social media and youth mental health. During the 2024-25 school year, the Kirkwood School District Wellness Committee examined the research on the effects of social media and smartphones on student mental health and wellness. They presented to the Board of Education and planned to bring recommendations forward on potential policy or procedures changes related to cell phone and personal device use.

During the 2025 legislative session, the Missouri legislature passed a law requiring all Missouri school districts to implement a policy that would limit students’ use of personal devices during the school day. The Governor signed the bill into law in July. Kirkwood Schools accelerated our work in response to the law and has passed policies and implemented procedures to limit the use of personal devices in our district. The law includes any portable device that is used to initiate, receive, store, or view communication, information, images, or data electronically. This includes other cell-based devices, such as smartwatches, wireless ear buds, personal tablets etc.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will this go into effect?

What about personal devices other than cell phones?

Can my student have access to their device while traveling to and from school?

Can my student have access to their device before or after school?

What if there is an emergency and I need to reach my student?

If you need to reach your child, call the main or grade level office at school, which will notify the child. While our office staff works to minimize distractions and disruptions during class, they understand there are situations when you need to reach your student. In the event of an emergency, office staff will immediately notify the student and provide support as needed. During a schoolwide emergency, teachers and staff may allow students to use personal technology devices.

What happens if a student refuses to keep their phone or smartwatch put away?

Are there accommodations and/or exceptions to the policy?

Students with IEPs or 504s or other individualized student plans
Medical needs: We understand that some students may need access to their phones or smartwatches for health-related purposes, such as monitoring medical devices. School administration will work with students and families to ensure appropriate accommodations to meet the student’s medical needs.
Educational purposes: If an educator determines that a cellphone or other device is necessary for a specific activity or lesson, they may permit students to use their devices during that time with administrative approval. Otherwise, phone and personal device use is restricted during class.

How do staff manage student well-being and provide SEL support?

We realize some students may have emotional responses to phone restrictions, such as anxiety or frustration. Our schools will work to provide social-emotional learning support and help students understand the importance of avoiding distractions during the school day. Our counselors are available for support as well. If you would like to talk more with your students about maintaining their digital wellbeing, there are resources below:

Logo Image

Logo Title

In This Section