WARREN, Ark. – As the 2025–2026 school year begins, Warren School District is reminding parents and students about a new statewide policy restricting the use of cell phones and other personal electronic devices during the school day.
The policy is based on Arkansas Law SB 142, officially titled the “Bell to Bell, No Cell Act.” The legislation, passed during the last session of the Arkansas Legislature, is now in effect for all public schools across the state, including Warren.
Under the new law, students are not considered to be in possession of a device if it is:
- Powered off,
- Stored away in a backpack,
- Not accessed at any time—including lunch and recess—during the school day.
Devices covered by the law include:
- Cell phones,
- Smart watches,
- Earbuds or headphones,
- iPads or tablets,
- Any personal device with communication capabilities.
A student is considered to be in possession of a device if they are:
- Holding it,
- Carrying it in a pocket or on their person,
- Checking it—even while it’s in a backpack—at any time during the school day.
The Warren School District asks for full cooperation from parents and students in following this new policy, which aims to reduce distractions and support a more focused learning environment.
For more information, families are encouraged to contact their school’s main office.
