BUHLER, Kan. — Buhler USD 313 is preparing to implement a new “bell-to-bell” restriction on student cell phones and other personal electronic devices for the upcoming school year.
In a letter sent Thursday to district staff and families, Superintendent Cindy Couchman said the policy update follows the state’s recent enactment of House Bill 2299. The law requires all Kansas public school districts to restrict student cell phone use during the school day.
Under the new policy, all personal electronic devices — including cell phones, tablets, smart watches and wireless earbuds or headphones — must be powered off and inaccessible to students from the start of the school day until dismissal. The restriction applies during instructional time, passing periods, lunch and recess.
The district said students will still have access to school-designated phones to contact parents or guardians during the day. Families needing to reach their child are asked to call or email the school office. Older students may also be contacted through their school email.
USD 313 said discipline procedures for violations will be included in student handbooks after being approved by the Board of Education.
The district said exceptions will be limited to documented medical necessities approved by a licensed physician, or as required by a student’s IEP or Section 504 plan. Building principals will coordinate with families on specific accommodations.
The new law also restricts school employees from privately communicating with students through social media. The district said all official digital, two-way communication between staff and students must take place through a monitored platform approved by the Board of Education.
Couchman said the transition to a phone-free school environment will be a significant adjustment for students and families, but said research shows removing digital distractions can reduce social media anxiety, increase face-to-face interaction and improve classroom focus.
The district said it is still finalizing specific procedures before the start of the 2026-27 school year.