Focus over feeds: The case for classroom phone policies in Missouri

In math class, Emma’s phone buzzes again, pulling her away from the lesson. It’s just one of the 273 notifications the average teen receives daily, according to Common Sense Media.

Her focus fades and learning stalls. A United Nations study found that it can take up to 20 minutes to regain concentration after such an interruption—making the cost of distraction cumulative, not momentary.

Students spend an average of 43 minutes on their phones each school day—nearly a full class period. Over the course of a school year, that equals roughly 130 hours of missed instruction. Missouri students cannot afford these losses, especially when more than a third of the state’s fourth- and eighth-graders score below basic proficiency in reading, with similar concerns in math, as reported by the National Assessment of Educational Progress.

Research from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development shows that even the mere presence of a phone—or being seated near one—can negatively impact academic performance, particularly in math. A recent survey found that 53% of school leaders believe phones harm academic progress, while 73% report they diminish students’ attention spans. This distraction doesn’t just affect individual students; it erodes focus throughout the entire classroom.

Several St. Louis-area districts have adopted stricter cellphone bans after previous attempts failed to curb phone use in class. These early successes offer a practical roadmap for schools statewide, proving that focused classroom environments are possible with clear phone policies.

If we are serious about raising achievement and closing learning gaps, we must prioritize focus—beginning with limiting phone use during class.

The February 2025 SLU/YouGov Poll found that 70% of likely Missouri voters support banning phones during class across all K-12 schools. Nationally, 53% of adults favor similar restrictions for middle and high schoolers, and 83% of National Education Association members back a full school-day phone ban. Teachers, parents, researchers, and voters are all aligned in this rare moment of consensus on the need for change.

School safety bill advances in Missouri House with restrictions on cell phone use

Banning phones promotes equity by addressing the digital divide. Not every student has access to the latest devices, and phone use in class can exacerbate inequalities. Students with ADHD, learning differences, or trauma histories are especially vulnerable to digital distraction. Well-defined policies level the playing field, fostering more focused, inclusive classrooms.

Some families raise safety concerns, particularly in light of school shootings. However, experts recommend structured communication systems—not student cell phones. In a crisis, phones can spread misinformation, jam emergency lines, and prevent students from hearing or following safety instructions.

The Missouri House recently advanced a school safety bill that includes provisions for limiting cellphone use, reflecting ongoing discussions on how to address distractions in schools. This bill is one approach among many that seek to balance safety and learning environments, and it has garnered significant attention for its potential to create clear, student-centered policies.

While some schools have implemented phone restrictions, the lack of a statewide policy creates inequities for students, families, and teachers. A consistent framework at the state level would ensure that all schools, regardless of where they live, can create environments that support learning.

Schools don’t need to start from scratch. Many districts already use effective tools like wall-mounted phone caddies, magnetically sealed pouches, or classroom tech agreements. The goal is to create classroom norms that promote learning. With clear guidance and local flexibility, districts can implement practical, age-appropriate policies supported by staff and families.

Missouri wouldn’t be going it alone. Currently, at least 19 states have laws or policies banning or restricting cellphone use in schools or recommending local districts adopt similar measures, according to an Education Week analysis. Additionally, another 16 states have introduced similar legislation this year.

The issue of cellphone use in classrooms is complex. Finding the right balance between reducing distractions and supporting students’ needs will require thoughtful, evidence-based decisions. The stakes are high for student engagement and success, and thoughtful, evidence-based decisions will be key to shaping effective policies moving forward.