Park Hill School District Implements Device Ban for High School Students

Students engage in a focused learning environment in a classroom without personal electronic devices.

News Summary

The Park Hill School District has introduced a policy banning personal electronic devices during class for high school students, effective from the start of the upcoming school year. This decision follows extensive research and input from a task force that included students, parents, and staff. The aim is to minimize distractions in classrooms while allowing device usage during passing periods and lunch. Additionally, the district is monitoring legislative developments that could impact device usage policies further.

Kansas City, Mo. – The Park Hill School District has announced a new policy banning personal electronic devices for high school students, which will take effect at the beginning of the 2025-26 school year. This decision was disclosed during a board meeting on May 8, 2025, following extensive research and recommendations from a dedicated task force.

The policy specifically prohibits the use of personal electronic devices during class time. This includes items such as cell phones, smart watches, earbuds, gaming devices, tablets, laptops, and any other gadgets capable of connecting to the internet using either WIFI or Bluetooth. Under the new guidelines, students will still be allowed to use such devices during passing periods and lunch breaks.

The creation of this new policy comes after a comprehensive study conducted by a team of 30 stakeholders, including students, parents, staff, and administrators, throughout the 2024-25 school year. In addition to the task force’s research, the district gathered feedback from nearly 3,000 survey responses, which contributed significantly to the recommendations made concerning device usage.

One of the primary motivators behind this policy change is the district’s desire to reduce classroom distractions. Concerns regarding students becoming easily distracted by personal electronic devices during lessons have been instrumental in shaping this new approach. This initiative aligns with previous measures introduced in the district, which already limited device usage in elementary and middle schools during the 2024-25 school year.

The district is also closely monitoring pending legislative developments in Missouri, particularly Senate Bill 68, which could enforce stricter guidelines on the use of personal electronic devices in educational settings. The board has highlighted the significance of establishing clear expectations for students and families concerning the school’s communication and technology use policies.

In the months leading up to the start of the 2025-26 school year, the Park Hill School District will finalize the details of the new policy. This preparation will ensure that both students and staff are fully informed and ready to adapt to the new regulations. The task force had convened multiple times over the past year to thoroughly review existing policies and address concerns raised by parents and educators about students’ attentiveness in the classroom.

The district’s emphasis on creating an environment conducive to learning is evident in its efforts to manage the impact of technology on students’ focus. By restricting personal electronic devices during critical instructional periods, school administrators seek to enhance educational experiences and outcomes for all students. The challenge will be to balance the benefits of technology with the need for effective teaching practices.

As the school year progresses, the Park Hill School District intends to engage further with the community to ensure a smooth transition to these new policies. The aim is to foster an educational atmosphere that prioritizes learning while also considering the influence of technology in students’ lives. Updates regarding the policy details and implementation strategies will be communicated to families and stakeholders as the date approaches.