On July 9, 2025, Missouri passed a new rule that bans phones, Air Pods, and similar items in school—from the first bell in the morning until the last bell at the end of the day. Along with that, there are new bathroom passes and an eight-hour school schedule. So, what do the students and teachers think about all this?

Starting with the phone rule, a lot of people aren’t fans. Teachers are mixed—some like it, some don’t. Some think kids will just find ways around it, while others are happy they don’t have to keep nagging about phones all the time.

Teacher Caleb Joost actually thinks the phone rule could be a good thing. 

He said, “The new phone rule could teach students how to interact with each other more. Hopefully, it will help the kids make more friends and get to know each other better.”

But student Carson Powers isn’t so sure. 

He said, “I don’t think it was a good idea because kids will find ways around it, and not having phones at all is annoying since they’re part of everyday life for a lot of people.”

The school also started using a new system for hall passes called Minga. Most teachers like it because it makes their jobs easier. They don’t have to keep track of when students leave or worry about writing people up for taking too long.

Teacher Jennifer Miller said, “I like the hall passes because now it’s up to the principals to deal with students who take too long. I don’t have to stress about write-ups or where students are, so it takes a big load off my shoulders.”

On the other hand, student Cameron Semore has mixed feelings. 

He said, “I don’t think the time Minga gives us is enough. When I look at other students’ Chromebooks in the bathroom, they usually have nine or ten minutes. But I do like the system because it seems like more people are in class and not messing around.”

Now, about the new eight-hour schedule—teachers aren’t loving it as much as students. A lot of students say the day goes by faster and feels shorter, which makes school more enjoyable.

Powers said, “I actually like the eight-hour schedule because I get a study period to catch up on work. For some reason, I feel like I get more done. The only downside is lunch is shorter now.”

Joost said, “I feel like I don’t have as much time to teach, so it might affect how much I can get done with my students.”