The Guthrie Board of Education voted unanimously Monday evening to implement a district-wide ban on student cell phone use during school hours, complying with a new state law passed earlier this year.
The updated policy, approved as a revision to Guthrie Public Schools Policy F-40, aligns with Senate Bill 139, which mandates that all public school districts in Oklahoma prohibit the use of cell phones and personal electronic devices by students “from bell to bell,” beginning with the 2025-2026 school year.
Under the new law, “bell to bell” refers to the time between the morning bell that signals the start of the instructional day and the dismissal bell at the end of the day. The law, signed by Governor Kevin Stitt in the spring, requires all schools to establish clear disciplinary procedures for violations.
The policy applies to a wide range of personal electronic devices beyond cell phones, including smart watches, smart headphones, laptops, tablets, and smart glasses. Devices issued or approved by the school specifically for classroom instruction are not affected.
Superintendent Dr. Mike Simpson addressed the new policy in a prepared statement:
“This policy was written to allow for a common-sense approach to improving the learning environment in our district while complying with the new state law. We have visited with other districts who have implemented a cell phone ban successfully to gather best practices as we begin this school year. Those districts have noticed an improved environment in their schools. Students will be expected to power off their devices and keep them out of view for the entire school day including passing periods and lunchtime. Principals will be visiting with their students and parents about this policy as we begin the school year.”
The district’s student handbook outlines specific expectations and exceptions to the rule, including allowance for device use in emergencies, for students monitoring health conditions, or as required by a documented disability under state or federal law. Violations of the policy will result in the confiscation of the device and may lead to additional disciplinary action, including a required parent conference.
The policy also prohibits surreptitious recordings and use of technology in private areas such as restrooms and locker rooms, and restricts remote monitoring or surveillance on school property.
Guthrie Public Schools will begin enforcing the new policy this fall.
