During the 2024-25 school year, a committee of Brentwood students, staff and parents came together to review how personal electronic devices—such as cell phones and smartwatches—impact learning in our schools. Their work was guided by a growing body of research showing that these devices can interfere with the academic focus, social development and emotional well-being of our students.

Additionally, the Missouri legislature recently passed a new law requiring all school districts to adopt clear policies limiting student use of personal electronic communication devices during the school day. This law, along with our committee’s recommendations, will shape our district’s approach to personal devices beginning in the 2025-26 school year.

What’s Changing in 2025-26

To protect learning time and foster positive student development, all Brentwood schools will become personal device-free from the beginning until the end of the school day. This means:

• Students may not use or display cell phones, smartwatches, earbuds/headphones, tablets or personal laptops at any point during the school day, including transitions, lunch and other non-instructional times.

• Students will use district-provided devices for learning. Personally owned tablets or laptops will not be permitted as substitutes for school-issued Chromebooks.

• Exceptions will be made for students with specific educational or medical needs, as outlined in a student’s IEP, 504 Plan or individual health plan.

In addition to reducing digital distractions, this policy aligns with our ongoing commitment to providing a safe, supportive learning environment where students can thrive academically, socially and emotionally. We remain proactive in evaluating and updating our policies and procedures to best serve our students and school community.

Thank you for partnering with us to support student learning, safety and well-being.

ELECTRONIC PERSONAL COMMUNICATIONS DEVICES (Section 162.207)

Beginning in the 2025-26 school year, each school district and charter school shall adopt a written policy regarding students' possession or use of electronic personal communication devices. Such a policy shall be designed to promote students' educational interests and ensure a safe, effective working environment for staff and volunteers. The act defines an "electronic personal communications device" as a portable device that is used to initiate, receive, store, or view communication, information, images, or data electronically.

At a minimum, the policy shall prohibit students from using or displaying these devices from the beginning until the end of the school day, including, but not limited to, during instructional time, meal times, breaks, time between classes, and study halls. The policy shall also outline disciplinary procedures for violations and include exceptions for students who need devices due to specific educational or health needs, such as individualized education plans or 504 plans under federal law. Exceptions may allow device use in emergencies, as defined in the act, or for authorized educational purposes. The policy shall be published on the school district's or charter school's website, and school employees or volunteers shall be immune from liability if they act in good faith and follow the policy's disciplinary procedures.

This provision shall expire on August 28, 2032.