How addicted are today’s students by their personal cell phones? They’re about to find out.

Nebraska LB 140, signed by Governor Jim Pillen in May of 2025, bans cell phone use during instructional time for all  students in K-12 public schools. The bill states that each school district will be in charge of how to implement the new law. The law came about due to widespread concerns that cell phones have lead to academic distractions, bullying and a decline in student mental health.

South also bans students from listening to their own playlists during instructional time. Phones can only be used before and after school and during passing periods and lunch.

South High School’s Principal Jodi Pesek said that South was one of the first schools in the district to have a no-phone policy.

The reasoning behind the ban is teachers, staff and the Nebraska’s Department of Education want to “protect our students’ learning environment,” Pesek said. Educators believe personal electronics are what is stopping students from reaching their full potential. Pesek added that “it was no longer just us here at South who wanted the change; it was everyone. We were no longer on this island alone.”

Daniel Podjenski, a South High science teacher, said he’s definitely noticed a difference in this year’s participation from students compared to previous years. “I have seen an increase in productivity and cooperation from my students since the phone ban,” he said.

Consequences for students who choose not to follow the no-phone policy start off with a simple redirection from their teacher. If a student still has any personal electronics in use, the teacher may take the phone for the rest of the class period. If a student refuses to give up their electronics to the teacher, the student will most likely lose access to their phone for the remainder of the day and incur additional disciplinary measures.

“Consequences for students who go against the policy could result in them leaving their phones at home,” Pesek said.

Ashley Mora, South High junior, said she agrees with the consequences for not following the new phone policy. “I think the consequences are fair; we are all almost adults. If a teacher says, ‘Put your phone away,’  just do it,” she added.

South students have expressed varied opinions on the new no-phone policy. South senior Day Gonzalez said she is not in favor of the new phone policy because it also prohibits the use of headphones or earbuds through which students can listen to music.

“It has changed my attitude towards school because my music helps keep me calm and focused,” she added.

Gonzalez isn’t the only student who isn’t a fan of the no personal music policy. Senior Camilia Martinez and Mora both agree the absence of their personal tunes will be hard to get used to.

Podjenski said his advice for students struggling with the no-phone policy would be to remember the old saying,  “out of sight, out of mind.”