Kansas House Advances School Device Restriction Plan; Howe Votes Yes

State Rep. Steven K. Howe (R–District 71), who represents Salina and Saline County, voted YES on House Substitute for Senate Bill 281, a proposal that would require Kansas school districts to enforce bell-to-bell restrictions on students’ personal electronic devices during the school day.

Supporters of the measure say the goal is to reduce classroom distractions and limit the impact of smartphone use on student focus and social behavior. The bill would place the responsibility on school districts to implement and enforce policies that keep personal devices off and put away throughout the instructional day.

Howe framed his vote as a response to what he described as increasing digital distraction and the influence of technology companies on student attention and mental health.

“I vote YES on H Sub 281 to reclaim our classrooms from digital distraction. For too long, we
have allowed the addictive algorithms of Big Tech to bypass parents and dominate our students'
attention. This is a necessary line in the sand.
By removing these devices bell-to-bell, we aren't just improving test scores; we are restoring
human connection. We are giving children the freedom to look up from their screens, engage in
face-to-face social interaction, and focus on their education without the constant pull of a
notification. Our schools must be sanctuaries for learning and mental well-being, not harvesting
grounds for tech giants.” — Steven K. Howe, State Representative, District 71

The proposal has been part of a broader nationwide debate over student phone use in schools, with some states and districts adopting stricter day-long limits while others leave the decision to local administrators.