On July 9, 2025, Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe signed Senate Bill 68 into law, banning cell phones and other personal electronic devices in schools across the country. 

The bill required all school districts to have written policies made to enforce these new rules. They were mostly based on cell phone usage during instructional time, on school property and during school functions. The violation of the rule can be met with disciplinary actions. The only exceptions to the rule are for students with IEP or 504 plans that require them to have their phone on them, or in designated areas or for educational purposes. 

School districts are allowed some control over how they wish to implement the ban, like whether or not to allow phones in certain areas or whether or not to allow teachers to control phone use in their classrooms.

The School District of University City has responded to this bill with a new policy that applies to the entire district. 

The expectations apply to all students (unless there are specific reasons stating otherwise) and declares that no phones, smartwatches, personal laptops, tablets or other personal electronic communication devices may be displayed or used during instructional time, lunch, passing periods or study halls.

According to superintendent Dr. Sharonica Hardin-Bartley’s memo on this updated policy, “From the first bell to dismissal, this policy reinforces student engagement, focus and interpersonal communication. We are creating a learning environment where students can stay present, connected and engaged.”