Additional state schools wisely limiting student access to cellphones

Opinion editor’s note: Editorials represent the opinions of the Star Tribune Editorial Board, which operates independently from the newsroom.

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One of the changes that some Minnesota students returned to this fall is a restricted use of cellphones during school hours. Those restrictions — which can range from full-day bans to rules that prohibit phone use in classrooms — are sensible responses to how mobile device use affects student learning.

Earlier this year, the Minnesota Legislature wisely passed a law requiring districts to establish cellphone policies by March 15, 2025. Some schools and school districts responded quickly and launched the new school year with the phone policies in place.

As the Minnesota Star Tribune Editorial Board has argued previously, it’s in the best interest of students to restrict phone use in school. According to a Pew Research Center survey, 72% of high school teachers said students phone distractions are a “major problem” in their classrooms. In addition, studies have shown that heavy use of mobile devices is linked to classroom misconduct, bullying and other academic challenges.

St. Paul Public Schools currently leaves it to individual schools to set their own rules. Many of the elementary and middle schools ban any phone use during the school day. However, high schools have taken a different approach. At St. Paul Central High School, for example, students may have their devices in lockers or on their person, but they must be shut off and out of sight during class time. Students are permitted to use phones between classes and during lunch.

Central’s principal Cherise Ayers said the rules have been well received and that she hasn’t fielded any negative feedback — yet. In fact, she said, during recent school orientation meetings with families, many parents applauded when she announced the new cellphone expectations. She added that if students violate those rules, there can be consequences, such as confiscating the device during school hours.

“More learning happens when students are not distracted by their phones,” Ayers said. “When they are not on their phones they can talk to each other; that allows them to build social skills and build community.”

Gregg Abbott of the Minnesota School Boards Association said the group has received little negative pushback regarding the restrictions. He applauded the Legislature’s decision to resist a one-size-fits-all policy, leaving districts the flexibility to make different decision for different grade levels.

A bipartisan bill reintroduced in Congress this year would require the U.S. Department of Education to complete another study on the effects of cellphone use in K-12 classrooms, especially as it relates to students’ mental health and academic performance. It would also authorize up to $5 million annually for five years for a pilot program that provides secure packets in which to store cellphones during school hours. It would carve out exceptions for students with health conditions, disabilities and non-English speakers. In addition, participating schools would have a communication system in place to engage with first responders in case of emergency.

The bill merits passage.