Show-Me State Times

Missouri voters have shown strong support for a new law that bans cell phone use in schools, according to a poll conducted by Saint Louis University and YouGov. The law, which will be implemented in the 2025–26 academic year, aims to reduce classroom distractions and improve student focus.

The poll revealed that over 70% of likely Missouri voters are in favor of prohibiting students from using cell phones during regular instructional activities across all K–12 schools. This support is consistent across political affiliations, age groups, and geographic regions. "It’s rare to see such agreement on any education issue," said Ashley Burle, Ph.D., associate director of the SLU/YouGov Poll. "These findings reflect a growing desire to protect instructional time from digital distractions."

In addition to cell phone restrictions, the February 2025 SLU/YouGov Poll found strong support for limiting student access to social media and artificial intelligence at school. Eighty-one percent of Missouri likely voters supported restricting access to social media via school internet networks unless directed by a teacher for educational purposes. Among voters aged 18-29, 76% supported these restrictions. Furthermore, 69% favored prohibiting students from using artificial intelligence on schoolwork.

Senate Bill 68 establishes a statewide policy requiring all Missouri public and charter schools to restrict personal electronic device use throughout the entire school day. Exceptions are allowed for emergencies or documented needs. Local districts have flexibility in implementing this policy and must publish their plans online.

With SB 68's signing, Missouri joins other states with similar policies addressing concerns about unregulated device use's academic and mental health consequences. Steven Rogers, Ph.D., SLU/YouGov Poll Director and associate professor of political science at Saint Louis University stated: "Missouri voters’ opinions on cell phones in school are in line with national trends in public opinion."

The February 2025 SLU/YouGov Poll was funded by the PRiME Center at SLU’s School of Education.