The passage of the “Bell to Bell, No Cell” legislation has reshaped the way students will interact with their devices this school year. The law now requires students refrain from using personal electronic devices unless specifically allowed by a teacher during the entirety of the instructional day — from the first bell to the last — statewide.
Districts across the state have put new policies in place or in some local cases reaffirmed existing ones to reduce classroom distractions and encourage student engagement. Drumright, Cleveland, Jennings, and Oilton have all adapted their policies to better reflect local district standards many of which go beyond the minimum requirements of the state regulations. District superintendents have voiced their support for the legislation and shared how they are putting the policy into practice.
Superintendent Angela Avila framed the policy as an academic tool rather than a punitive measure.
“To ensure students remain focused and engaged in learning, Drumright Public Schools will be implementing a new Personal Electronic Devices Policy. Students will be prohibited from using cell phones or personal electronic devices from the first bell to the last bell.”
Exceptions are allowed for emergencies or approved medical needs, and full policy details are published on the district’s website.
Superintendent Sol Bayouth of Cleveland Public Schools connected the policy to academic performance citing consistent research that a variety of electronic devices including cellphones, smartwatches, and earbuds prove to be major distractions in the classroom.
“Even when not actively used, their presence reduces attention span, comprehension, and retention,” he said.
Cleveland’s policy includes strict storage requirements utilizing locked lockers in the primary, intermediate, and middle school buildings. High school students must lock phones in Yondr pouches during first hour and keep them sealed all day.
A tiered disciplinary plan is in place at the district with the first offense resulting in device confiscation and phone lock-up or in school detention. By the forth offense discipline could include long-term suspension.
Jennings Public School had implemented a similar electronic device policy prior to the statewide mandate, according to Superintendent Derrick Meador.
“The new ‘bell to bell’ cell phone law did not change our policy at Jennings. We’ve had that in place for several years,” he said.
However, an addition to the policy was added. He said each classroom will have lock boxes, safely securing student phones during school hours which will provide an extra layer of protection and reduce temptation for device use.
Superintendent Jenniffer Purvis for Oilton Public Schools emphasized accessibility for students and parents by noting all cell phone policy information can be found on the district website under personal electronic devices. Though no major changes were required, Oilton’s existing policy was approved to further align with the state’s standards.
While enforcement procedures has been left mostly in the hands of the districts providing some flexibility in exceptions and implementation the minimum requirement is clear — devices must remain unused during class hours.As the 2025–26 school year begins, Oklahoma educators hope that reducing screen time during school hours will improve academic outcomes and student engagement from bell-to-bell.