Missouri Senate Bill SB1481

Missouri 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/28/24
• Refer: 3/7/24

Caption

Requires school districts and charter schools to promulgate a written policy regarding student possession and use of cellular phones

Impact

The introduction of this bill seeks to create a more structured environment concerning technology usage in schools. By requiring that districts formulate consistent policies, SB1481 aims to balance the need for students to have access to their phones with the necessity of minimizing distractions during instructional time. Schools may choose to allow phone usage for educational purposes under teacher direction, potentially integrating technology into the learning experience.

Summary

Senate Bill 1481 mandates that all school districts and charter schools in Missouri establish a formal written policy regarding the possession and use of cellular phones by students. This policy must be in place by July 1, 2025, and should address how students can use cellular phones while on school property or during school activities. The legislation aims to standardize how schools approach this issue, allowing them to create rules that reflect their specific environments and student needs.

Contention

While the bill provides flexibility in how schools can approach cellular phone policies, it may also lead to disagreements among educators, parents, and students regarding what constitutes appropriate use. Some might argue that strict limitations could hinder students' ability to utilize technology as a learning tool, while others may feel that the risks of distractions and inappropriate use outweigh the benefits. The need for disciplinary measures for violations of the established policies adds another layer of complexity to the discussion surrounding this bill.