Bell to Bell No Cell Phone Policy

Attention Parents/Students
"Bell to Bell, No Cell" Act (Oklahoma SB 139)
As you may have heard, Gov. Kevin Stitt signed Senate Bill 139 into law on May 6, 2025, requiring all Oklahoma public school districts to enforce a statewide ban on student cell phone and personal electronic device use from the first bell to the final dismissal bell.
What Devices Are Covered?
- All personal electronic devices with communication capabilities, including:
- Cell phones and smart watches
- -Smart headphones, earbuds, and smart glasses
What 'Bell-to-Bell' Means
From arrival (morning bell) to dismissal (final bell), devices must be:
- Powered off
- Stowed away (not visible)
- Districts must adopt policies and clearly define disciplinary actions for violations.
Allowed Exceptions
1. Medical or health-related needs (e.g., diabetes monitoring)
2. Emergencies
3. District-authorized instructional devices (eg., school-issued iPads or Chromebooks)
What to Expect
School Board Policies & Handbook Regulations will be crafted this summer and finalized.
before the start of school.
These rules are mandatory (State Law)
Why?
- To minimize distractions and promote better student engagement
- To support mental wellness by limiting social media and technology triggers
- To allow teachers to teach without continuously policing devices
In Summary
Oklahoma's new SB 139 law institutes a mandatory "Bell-to-Bell, No Cell" device han for the schools-with exemptions for health and emergencies to create a more focused, engaged, and distraction-free learning environment.