OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt has signed a new statewide law requiring school districts to adopt “Bell to Bell, No Cell” policies that limit student cell phone use during the school day. State officials say the move is aimed at reducing classroom distractions and improving student focus.
Key takeaways
- Students across Oklahoma will likely see stricter rules on phone use during the school day
- Schools can still allow phones in emergency situations or for medical reasons
- Supporters of the law say classrooms are calmer and students are more focused without phones
- The policy started as a statewide challenge before lawmakers turned it into permanent law
What the new Oklahoma school phone law requires
The law requires Oklahoma districts to prohibit student cell phone use on campus during school hours. Exceptions are allowed for emergencies and documented medical needs.
The measure follows Executive Order 2024-26, which encouraged districts to adopt phone-free campus policies voluntarily. During his 2025 State of the State address, Stitt called on lawmakers to make the policy permanent statewide.
“In 2024, I challenged every school in Oklahoma to go phone-free so our kids could put their focus back in their studies instead of on their screens,” Stitt said in a release.
Supporters say classrooms have seen improvements
State leaders said the law is part of a broader effort to improve academic outcomes and classroom environments in Oklahoma schools.
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Sen. Ally Seifried, the bill’s author, said schools implementing phone-free policies have already reported fewer distractions and reduced bullying.
“I’m proud to have worked for several years on getting cellphones out of schools, and I’m so grateful for my colleagues’ support on this lasting change that is already improving student outcomes,” said Sen. Seifried. “This policy has already made a tremendous difference in classrooms across the state by reducing distractions, cutting down on bullying, keeping kids focused on learning throughout the school day and ensuring they develop the social skills to interact with their peers face-to-face.”
Key Facts
- Oklahoma school districts must adopt phone restriction policies
- Exceptions include emergencies and medical needs
- The law makes the “Bell to Bell, No Cell” initiative permanent
- Officials say the policy is designed to improve classroom focus
- The effort began with Executive Order 2024-26
FAQ
Will students be allowed to have phones with them?
The law focuses on restricting phone use during the school day, but districts will create their own policies on how phones are stored or handled on campus.
Why are Oklahoma leaders pushing for phone-free schools?
Supporters say phones can distract students from learning and contribute to bullying and social issues during school hours.
When will schools have to follow the new law?
The release did not provide a specific implementation timeline, but districts will need to adopt policies that comply with the new state requirements.
The release did not specify when districts must fully implement the updated policies statewide.
This article was originally published by KOTV. You can see the original story here.