LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — Cellphones are banned inside Kentucky classrooms under a new law, but specific policies are being left up to individual districts.
There are exceptions to the law for cellphone use during instructional time, but otherwise students aren’t allowed to have their phones out during class.
The new policy comes after Kentucky lawmakers passed House Bill 208 in March 2025.
The law does not set a statewide standard for technology in schools, but it does require local school boards to create policies that keep cell phones out of the classroom.
The law includes exemptions for emergencies, and for students who need their phones for health reasons. This includes apps to help students manage diabetes.
JCPS leaders started developing a district-wide cellphone policy in February. At the time, then-superintendent Dr. Marty Pollio said creating an updated cellphone policy isn’t the hard part — it’s getting everyone across the district on-board with the plan.
Each JCPS school has its own implementation plan. Some schools will require phones to stay in backpacks, while others have cell phone lock pouches, similar to those used at Fern Creek High School.
However, the district is banning cell phone use in schools throughout the school day. This includes during lunch and transitional periods.
The only exception for JCPS schools is during an emergency.
Every school is creating its own policy to allow parents and guardians to get messages to students. So your child’s school will have more specific information for you and your child.
Nelson County Schools Superintendent Wes Bradley said the new law doesn’t change the district’s cellphone policy. It stays the same, with no cellphones allowed in the classroom.
Bullitt County Public Schools told us phones may be brought to school, but they have to be turned off and stored in a backpack, purse, or computer bag.
BCPS elementary and middle school students are not allowed to use phones at any point during the day, but high school students can use their phones during lunchtime.
On Friday, Oldham County Schools sent an email to parents saying the board of education is voting on a proposed student cell phone policy for the school year.
The board had its first reading of the policy Monday afternoon, and still needs to vote at a special-called meeting.
The email said the goal is to approve the policy before the start of school.
Related Coverage:
JCPS approves policy banning cellphone use at schools starting next year
JCPS to consider stricter cell phone policy to comply with new state law
Louisville high school surveying parents on creating ‘phone-free’ school
JCPS says students, staff suffer with unrestricted cellphone use in the classroom
Fern Creek High School seeing results after implementing phone-free school policy
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