Kansas students are discovering an ancient educational practice once considered completely normal: going to school without staring at a cell phone every three minutes.
A new statewide law prohibits K-12 students from accessing cell phones and other personal electronic devices throughout the school day – including lunch and passing periods. As reported [1] in the New York Post, Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly signed the bipartisan legislation in March, saying it was intended to reduce classroom distractions.
And some schools aren’t messing around.
At Wyandotte High School, students put their phones inside a locked cage before classes begin at 7:25 a.m. Yes, teenagers may now have to survive an entire lunch period without TikTok.
The devices remain inaccessible until dismissal at 2:25 p.m. Students can also leave them at home or in their vehicles. Kansas City schools reportedly spent $150,000 on special phone lockers.
The prohibition also covers smartwatches, wireless headphones, personal tablets, and other communication devices. Medical and educational exceptions are included. Students caught violating the rules can have their phones confiscated, while repeat offenders can face suspension.
Critics worry the statewide mandate goes too far and could make it harder for parents to contact their children.
Supporters, meanwhile, are betting students might rediscover some nearly extinct activities: paying attention, talking to the person sitting next to them and perhaps even looking up occasionally.