One of the strictest statewide bans on student personal electronic devices was just implemented in Kansas through HB 2299, and more states should follow suit.

Democratic Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly signed the bill into law in March, which went into effect for the first time in the 2026 school year. HB 2299 requires all Kansas public schools and accredited private schools to ban students from accessing cell phones, smartwatches, tablets, wireless earbuds, and any other electronic device from the first bell of the school day until dismissal. These devices must be powered off and stored in an inaccessible location.

This policy stands out because, barring some limited exceptions, students were sent back to the Stone Age. Kansas is admitting that, for students to learn well, it requires prioritizing blocking students’ access to electronics for the full day. This means there are no devices in classrooms, during lunch and recess, or in the halls.

Many other states have some level of an electronics ban in their schools, but most have stopped short of this standard.

The lack of courage to protect students and their ability to learn has documented costs. There is ample evidence of the harms that smartphones and social media cause for adolescents. There isn’t much an educator can do about a home environment that allows them unfettered access to technology. However, there is just as much research showing that devices in classroom........

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