On March 24, 2025, House Bill 208 was passed in Kentucky, banning the use of cell phones in school during instructional time unless in the case of an emergency, during teacher-directed activities, or when authorized by a teacher/instructor. Across the state, students and teachers have been impacted in numerous ways.
“The cell phone ban has its pros and cons, but so far, I haven’t had any issues with it, and neither have any of my classmates,” Anna Gilkerson (10) said.
Technology has always been a subject of debate in schools. Certain devices like MacBooks or
tablets can benefit students in their learning, but others, like cellphones or Apple Watches, can be seen as disturbances in the classroom.
“I don’t think that phones are as harmful towards academics as people say they are, but they do help improve focus sometimes so I don’t mind it,” Brady Smith (11) said.
The cellphone ban has made a huge impact on both students and teachers. Many teachers believe that the cellphone ban helps encourage student participation in the classroom. Lessons become easier and distraction-free without unnecessary interruptions from cellphones.
“It’s definitely easier to keep their attention and keep them focused. The beauty of it is no one is on their phones so they aren’t getting constantly bombarded with notifications and I think that’s probably the best part of it because it allows students to be present in the environment that they’re in,” science teacher Kevin Listerman explained.
Adjusting to not using cellphones has been a surprisingly easy task for students. Unexpectedly, several students have actually communicated that they think the ban is more helpful for them rather than harmful.
“It hasn’t affected me very much at all. I never really used my phone and lots of teachers didn’t let us on our phones to begin with, so not much has changed from how things used to be, at least from my perspective,” Smith (11) said.
Additionally, teachers have also reported that they have had absolutely no problems with students using their cellphones during times when it is prohibited. However, teachers still have consequences planned out for students in the case that an individual does use their cellphone during class/instructional time.
“The first offense would probably be a reminder from me, and then the second offense would be having them stay after school for a little bit just to make them feel that there are consequences for not following the rules,” Listerman said.
The statewide cellphone ban marks a significant change in how technology is viewed and used in schools. Still, being in the early days of this brand new ban leaves room and time for teachers and students to form strong opinions on the subject. Nevertheless, this ban seems to be an exemplary step toward better-focused environments in schools across Northern Kentucky.
“As a teacher I think it’s a great thing because it takes the gray area out for teachers and students, leaving a very clear line on whether or not students are allowed to use their phone, it’s no longer a school rule or a teacher rule, it’s state law so it makes it a lot easier for me to say this isn’t my rule,” Listerman said.