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Cell Phone and Personal Device Policy

Cell Phone and Personal Device Policy

Joplin Schools is committed to ensuring each student is successful in school, life, and beyond. This includes helping them develop essential skills to learn how to leverage technology while setting boundaries that support focus, productivity, and well-being.

Joplin Schools will be completely cell phone-free starting with the 2025-26 school year, per a new Missouri law. Cell phones and personal devices, including smartwatches, personal laptops, and tablets, must be turned off and put away during the school day at all PreK-12 schools.

While this has long been the policy for our elementary and middle school students, cell phone use for high school students was previously restricted during class time only. However, the new Missouri law requires a complete ban on the use of cell phones and personal devices during the school day, including during passing times and meal times.

The Joplin Schools Board of Education has since approved a new policy to align with the state law. You can read more about our policy and the state law here:

As with any policy, students who violate the policy will be subject to disciplinary action and may have their devices confiscated. Learn more about the consequences below.

We recognize that our students will be adjusting to these new expectations in the first days of school. You can support them by having conversations now about what will be expected. If we work together, we can help our students build healthier and more productive technology habits.

Cell phone-free schools can enhance student focus, engagement in learning, and overall mental well-being.

A hand holds a smartphone displaying a 'No Cell' message from Joplin Schools.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • You may contact the main office, and a staff member will relay the message to your child. For middle and high school students, you can also email your child using their Joplin Schools email address.

     

  • In an emergency, staff would allow students to use their personal devices to communicate with families. This ensures student safety while minimizing daily classroom disruptions.

    Emergencies are defined as a serious, unexpected, and dangerous situation that requires immediate action, including, but not limited to, immediate safety threats to the school, an active fire, tornado or earthquake, an evacuation of school grounds, or a medical emergency.

  • Have conversations with your child about the new policy and ensure they are aware of these expectations and the consequences. If you need to reach your child or if there is an emergency, you can call the school office or contact your child using their Joplin Schools email address (middle and high school students).

  • High School

    First Violation-Sent to the office, phone is locked in the office for the remainder of the day. 
    Second Violation-Sent to the office, phone is locked in the office for the remainder of the day.
    Third Violation-Sent to the office, phone is locked in the office for the remainder of the day.
    Fourth Violation- 3-Days ISD
    Fifth Violation- 1-Day OSS
    Sixth Violation- 3-Days OSS

    *Students may lose the privilege of possession of personally owned devices at school if the problem persists.
    *Students who refuse to relinquish possession of their phones to office staff will receive 3 days OSS.

    Middle School

     

    Elementary School

  • We understand that some students may need access to their phones or smartwatches for health-related purposes, such as monitoring health conditions. Please contact your school administration to ensure appropriate accommodations are in place to meet your student’s medical needs.

  • If a teacher determines that a cell phone or other device is necessary for a specific activity or lesson, they may permit students to use personal devices during that time.

    Educational purpose is defined as using personal communication devices for academic activities conducted electronically that cannot reasonably be accomplished using a district-issued Chromebook.

  • Electronic personal communication devices are defined by the law and district policy as any portable device that is used to initiate, receive, store, or view communication, information, images, or data electronically, and include, but are not limited to, cell phones, tablets, and smartwatches. 

    • Students are not allowed to use personal technology devices at school, including smartwatches, laptops, iPads and tablets.
    • Students are expected to use their district-issued Chromebook at school.