US state proposes ‘cell phone’ law that would ‘ban the use of mobile devices’ — but only in certain locations

A BILL has been put forward that would see Americans banned from using their cell phones if it becomes a reality.

Devices would only be off-limits in specific locations, but such a measure would affect over 480,000 people if it came into effect.

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Lawmakers in Kansas have put forward bills that would see Americans in certain locations banned from using such devicesCredit: KSNT

Children would be banned from using cell phones in school (stock)Credit: Getty

A motion has been put forward to ban cell phones in schools across Kansas.

If it comes into force, it would make policies already imposed by school districts redundant.

And, Kansas would join a slew of states that have already brought in such measures. 

States such as Florida, Texas, Alabama and Georgia already have policies in place.

But, the drive to ban cell phones in schools has proved to be controversial.

Kim Whitman, who is part of the Smartphone-Free Childhood US group, believes the power should be in the hands of the state, as reported by the NBC affiliate KSNT-TV.

“I believe the state law is necessary because local districts aren’t doing it,” she claimed.

Whitman warned that districts are putting different policies forward, rather than one cohesive strategy.

Ann Mah, a former Kansas lawmaker and an ex-member of the Kansas Board of Education, put forward a different argument.

She warned against a one size fits all strategy.

“This is where mandates go wrong,” she said. 

“We have districts with fewer than 100 kids and more than 45 thousand.”

There is no timetable regarding the proposed phone ban.

In Kansas, for any bills to become law, they must be approved by both legislative chambers. 

Then, it is sent to the Governor – who can sign it into law or veto it.

A veto can be overridden if there is a two-thirds majority in both legislative chambers.

Or, the governor can choose to do nothing. 

In some cases, bills can become law automatically if a governor doesn’t act within a specific time period. 

But, Kansas Governor, Laura Kelly has suggested she would sign the bill into law.

Meanwhile, politicians in the Michigan House passed a bill that would put curbs on cell phone use in schools. 

It will now head to the state senate.

This could mean that school districts may have to create their own cell phone policies.

But, private schools would be able to enjoy a stay as such measures would only apply to public establishments. 

In August 2025, measures tightening cell phone restrictions even further came into force in Florida.

Elementary and middle school children are banned from using cell phones during the entire school day.

Legislation closed a loophole that allowed students to use their devices out of the classroom.

Earlier this month, schools across Oregon were required to implement cell phone bans in line with a law that came into effect.

New Jersey is the latest state to formalise such a ban.

This will come into force at the start of the next school year. 

“I wish this ban had been in place a long time ago,” Governor Phil Murphy said.

The politician will leave office on January 20. 

Kim Whitman, of Smartphone Free Childhood US, has welcomed the billCredit: KSNT

Ann Mah, a former member of the Kansas Board of Education, warned of the risks such a policy would poseCredit: KSNT