Kansas HB 2299 bans phones and smartwatches in K-12 schools starting fall 2026, leaving districts to cover storage costs up to $180,000.

At least one Kansas district is projecting $150,000 to $180,000 just to equip secondary students with individual phone lockers, according to the Wichita Eagle. The state provided zero dedicated funding. Every dollar comes from local budgets.

Districts choosing fabric locking pouches — think Yondr, the magnetic-lock system concert venues use to keep audiences present — face an estimated $30 per unit. Statewide, the Kansas Division of the Budget put that figure at roughly $13.4 million if every student received one, according to the Lawrence KS Times. Lockers require a steeper upfront investment. Neither option came with a state check attached.

Legislators passed the policy. The price tag was someone else’s problem.

  • NalivaiEnglish
    92·
    7 days ago

    Or better yet, teach your kid responsible usage and live them alone.

    • Diurnambule@jlai.luEnglish
      31·
      6 days ago

      Seem legit, didn’t take in account that kid dont’ hâve a fully developed brain and capitalists know that and exploit that. Sure be a good parent and let capitalist pedo teach your kids without supervisions, what a great idea.

      • NalivaiEnglish
        12·
        6 days ago

        You might be loosing a grip here a bit

        • Diurnambule@jlai.luEnglish
          1·
          6 days ago

          Why because I don’t want n d to be influenced and broken by FB and other crazy shit ?

      • NalivaiEnglish
        1·
        5 days ago

        I tought people computers for some time. As long as there is some motivation, you can teach an 80 years old violin teacher to patch Linux drivers and recompile kernel.