Governor Kevin Stitt has signed legislation requiring Oklahoma school districts to adopt policies prohibiting student cell phone use during the school day.
The statewide “Bell to Bell, No Cell” policy requires districts to restrict cell phone use on campus while allowing exceptions for emergencies and documented medical needs.
“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. “Today, we’re making that vision permanent in state law.”
The new law follows an executive order issued by Stitt in 2024 encouraging districts to move toward phone-free campuses. During his 2025 State of the State address, Stitt also called on lawmakers to pass a statewide classroom phone ban.
Stitt said the policy is part of a broader effort to improve academic performance and reduce classroom distractions.
“We’ve invested in reading, we’ve raised the bar on academic standards, and we’re seeing results,” Stitt said. “Kids need the opportunity to chase their American Dreams, and that starts in a distraction-free learning environment.”
Oklahoma Senator Ally Seifried, one of the bill’s authors, said schools implementing phone-free policies have already seen improvements in classroom focus and student behavior.
“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,” Seifried said.
