Debate over cell phone use in schools: Minnesota's recent policy changes

The state of Minnesota requires school districts and charter schools to establish rules regarding children’s use of cell phones in school.

In the last session, lawmakers passed a measure requiring schools to establish policies on cell phone use by March 15, 2025.

The idea is that it will stop kids from putting their phones away or banning them from school when they should be learning. And it could reduce the risk of cyberbullying.

While not everyone is enthusiastic about it, some are very much in favor of immediately restricting cell phone use.

There are currently at least three petitions on this issue from Minnesota on Change.org.

EDINA
“Restrict cell phones in Edina public schools from ring to ring”

This petition calls on the Edina Public Schools board to take away phones from the district’s children during school hours. “Not just in your backpack or locker,” says the petition. “but in a secured bag or phone locker. By implementing this policy, we can minimize distractions, improve concentration, create a space for students to connect with each other in person, and create a more conducive learning environment.”

PEQUOT LAKES
“Implement a cell phone policy in Pequot Lakes schools”

This petition calls on Pequot Lakes Public Schools officials to enact a policy restricting or banning cell phone use during school hours. “While cell phones undoubtedly impair students’ ability to concentrate in class, we can no longer ignore the deeper impact these devices are having on our children’s mental health, their ability to socialize, and the damaging rewiring of their developing brains.”

MILAKA – The City
“Help lift the phone ban in Milaca schools”

This petition calls on Milaca Public Schools officials to lift restrictions on cell phones in school. It begins with “Some students rely on their phones for important classroom functions and communication with family. The ban affects all students equally, regardless of their individual needs. It does not provide for exceptions or accommodations for students who need their phones for specific reasons, such as health reasons or personal circumstances.”

IN St. Cloud …

In the meantime, Laurie Putnam, principal of St. Cloud area schools explained the reasons for District 742’s cell phone policy to Jay Caldwell of WJON last fall. This policy states that elementary and middle school students CAN bring cell phones to school, but they must remain in their lockers until the end of the school day.

Putnam told Caldwell school officials that they noticed numerous disruptions on social media during the school day and that’s why they made the change.

Meanwhile, Putnam explained that high school students at Tech and Apollo high schools COULD HAVE cell phones, but that teachers and staff could intervene if it became a problem.

Here is a list of other school districts in Minnesota and their activities.

By March 2025, all school districts in Minnesota must have clear policies regarding the use of cell phones.

Stay tuned.