A bell-to-bell cellphone ban will be enforced at Norman Public Schools beginning the 2025-26 school year as required by a senate bill approved by Gov. Kevin Stitt in May.
Senate Bill 139 requires all Oklahoma school districts to adopt policies prohibiting student use of cellphones on campus, putting disciplinary actions in place for such violations.
About a month after SB 139 was passed, the NPS Board of Education approved its bell-to-bell personal electronic device ban.
Stephanie Williams, NPS executive director of student services, said in a nearly 10 hour meeting in May that the district collected feedback about the policy from students, staff, teachers and a policy review team in January.
“With collaboration being one of our core values, it was important that we gathered as much input as possible throughout this process,” Williams said in a June board meeting. “We have had a lot of conversations around this topic.”
NPS policy, enforcement, violations
The policy states students are prohibited from using phones and other personal electronic devices capable of connecting to wireless networks while on a public school district campus from bell-to-bell. The policy does not apply to school-issued or approved instructional devices.
The policy defines bell-to-bell as the time between the first bell ringing at the start of the school day until the dismissal bell at the end of the school day. Williams said it would also include lunch and passing periods.
However, high school students in 10-12th grade who leave campus for lunch will be exempt from the policy during the time they are off campus. Office 1 Board member Dirk O’Hara said the policy does not extend to off-campus activities.
“We can’t purview bell-to-bell off-campus,” O’Hara said.
Williams said the bell-to-bell policy would also apply to activities taking place during school hours, such as field trips. She said activities that happen outside of school hours, like some sporting events, are not included in the policy.
Kristyn Erickson, a first-grade teacher at Truman Primary and former NPS teacher of the year, has four children enrolled at NPS schools. She told OU Daily Wednesday she believes the policy will help students to focus on instruction rather than their phones.
“As a teacher, my opinion is a little bit more streamlined,” Erickson said. “It’s so hard to focus on what’s in front of you if that phone keeps bugging you and tearing you away from your learning.”
SB 139 states school boards can allow certain exceptions, including emergency and medical situations, and will be allowed to adopt policies for subsequent school years more tailored to local needs.
The NPS policy also outlines three exceptions to the rule, stating students are allowed to use personal devices in emergencies, to monitor health such as glucose levels and as assistive technology as outlined in an Individualized Educational Program or other plans.
“We want to ensure that we’re meeting those individual needs of each student,” Williams said. “But also that we’re staying consistent and that we’re in line with the law.”
Williams said the board is approaching the policy with three main focuses: a clear policy, explaining how the policy benefits learning, and fair and consistent enforcement.
The policy states students in violation of the policy will be subject to disciplinary action. Punishment for violations will be determined by administration on a case-by-case basis and will vary for elementary, middle and high school students.
Williams noted that a secondary level violation would result in the student being issued a personal electronic storage pouch where their phone will be stored until the end of the school day.
Violation consequences will also be outlined in student handbooks and on the NPS website in accordance with the student discipline policy, Williams said.
Campaign, implementation
Following the passage of the policy, NPS launched its Power Down to Power Up campaign designed to help families and staff understand the policy implementation.
The campaign features answers to frequently asked questions, copies of violation consequences and posters and social media graphics.
Courtney Scott, NPS chief communications officer, said the goal of the campaign is to encourage students to follow the policy.
“We want it to keep things light and make it about our students staying engaged while they’re in the school system,” Scott said.
Erickson said she believes the campaign will help educate students and parents about the reasoning behind the policy.
“This is coming from a Senate bill. Just that education piece and that background, I think that’s a big part,” Erickson said. “Our district is approaching it in the absolute correct way.”
Scott said parents can call the school office and leave a message for their child, contact their child directly through Canvas messaging or, for older students, parents can email their child.
Williams said the board will discuss further details of implementation with school staff this month.
“Those conversations in July are going to be critical to determine what (staff needs),” Williams said. “We most certainly want it to be doable and sustainable for them.”
Erickson said she hopes the district implements similar policies in future years, even after the Senate bill allows more local control.
“I really hope that this is the beginning of a culture change,” Erickson said. “We have the opportunity to really make a difference, not just this year but those future years.”
This story was edited by Ana Barboza and Natalie Armour. Ryan Little and Sophie Hemker copy edited this story.