A9 - Phone Free Schooling: An Early Evaluation of Missouri’s No Phone Policy

Monday, April 27, 2026

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM MDT

Location: Bluebird 3A

Missouri’s new phone-free schools policy represents one of the earliest and boldest statewide efforts to reduce student cell phone use during instructional hours. This session will examine the early impacts of the policy on student focus, mental health, and school climate, highlighting both benefits and unintended challenges. Attendees will gain an evidence-informed overview of research on smartphone use in schools, insights from early survey data and school-based perspectives, and practical considerations for implementation. Participants will leave with actionable ideas to inform partnerships, service delivery, and policy advocacy in their own communities.

Learning Objectives:

Demonstrate understanding of existing peer reviewed research on the positive and negative effects of smartphone access and use by students in school.
Clarify the intended purpose and parameters of the Missouri phone free schools policy implemented in the Fall semester of 2025.
Evaluate the early consequences, both intended and unintended, of the new policy on students and school staff.

Disclosure(s):

Paul Thomlinson, PhD, CCEP, CHRC: No financial relationships to disclose

Aadin Miller: No financial relationships to disclose

Sarah Barton, M.S.: No financial relationships to disclose

Breakout Presenter(s)

Paul Thomlinson, PhD, CCEP, CHRC

Executive Director Compass Health Research Institute
Compass Health Network
Springfield, Missouri

Disclosure(s): No financial relationships to disclose
Aadin Miller

Project Evaluator
Compass Health Network
Clinton, Missouri

Disclosure(s): No financial relationships to disclose

Slides
Sarah Barton, M.S.

Director of CCBHC Grant
Compass Health Network
Windsor, Missouri

Disclosure(s): No financial relationships to disclose