#Cellphoneban

In a controversial move set to affect students, parents, and educators alike, Missouri has become the latest US state to introduce a sweeping cell phone ban across all public schools. Signed into law by the governor and effective from the upcoming academic year, Senate Bill 68 prohibits students from possessing their phones on campus during the entire school day—including lunch breaks and time between classes—except in emergencies or for medical needs. This new policy, already practiced by some districts, now becomes mandatory statewide, with school authorities tasked to ensure its enforcement and navigate its consequences for the educational ecosystem.

A new statewide rule in Missouri bans students from carrying cell phones on school grounds for the entire day, including lunch and transitions. The policy, signed into law and set to take effect next academic year, requires schools to enforce the prohibition with exceptions only for emergencies or medical needs. While some districts have already limited phone use, the measure now applies to all public schools across the state.

Proponents argue the ban supports focused learning, safer hallways, and fewer distractions in classrooms. Critics worry about emergencies, parental communication, and broader effects on mental health and social development. The issue resonates beyond Missouri, contributing to a global conversation about smartphone use among youths and its impact on attention, performance, and well-being. Thai educators see relevance for Thai schools grappling with similar concerns.

Texas has become the latest—and one of the largest—states in the United States to ban students’ use of cell phones in all public K-12 schools, following the signing of House Bill 1481 by the state governor earlier this week (KXAN). The law gives individual districts two options for compliance: either prohibit all student devices on school property outright, or require students to store their phones securely and inaccessible during the school day (KHOU). The ban is set to take effect across the state for the 2025–2026 academic year (Statesman).

A sweeping Texas policy bans student use of cell phones in all public K-12 schools, taking effect in the 2025–2026 academic year. Districts must either prohibit devices on campus or require students to store them securely during the school day. The move follows concerns about digital distractions, student well-being, and classroom discipline, and it has sparked a global debate about technology in education.

For Thai educators and policymakers, the Texas case offers a timely point of reflection. Smartphone use among youth has surged in Thailand and around the world, reshaping how students learn, interact, and manage information. While some studies link unregulated use to lower focus, increased bullying, and mental health challenges, others warn that outright bans may overlook deeper systemic issues and could cut off useful learning tools and communication channels.