(Des Moines, IA) — Hoover High School officials say a new cellphone policy is improving education. The Des Moines school implemented strict cellphone usage rules after the state legislature passed a law requiring all school districts to create mandatory guidelines. Hoover High administrators report A and B grades have increased by 30 percent, while out-of-school suspension decreased by 40 percent. School leaders believe the phone policy has improved student mental health and led to academic improvements.
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds signed a new law in April requiring public school districts to adopt policies banning student cellphone use during class time starting with the 2025–2026 school year.
Districts will have the option to impose stricter rules, such as extending the ban to lunch periods or passing times. The law allows exceptions for students who require accommodations.
Reynolds said House File 782 aims to support student learning and mental health.
