New Policy Aims to Enhance Academic Performance and Mental Health
Students in St. Paul Public Schools will soon have to part ways with their phones during school hours following the approval of a districtwide cell phone ban. The school board passed the new policy on Tuesday, which prohibits students from using cell phones and other personal electronic devices throughout the school day. The rule will take effect at the start of the 2025-26 academic year.
According to the policy, students will be required to either leave their phones at home, store them in their lockers, or keep them turned off and out of sight during school hours. While the goal is to enhance academic performance and create a healthier learning environment, the district has made exceptions for students who need electronic devices for medical reasons or in emergencies.
Schools to Determine Implementation Strategies
While the Districtwide Cell Phone Ban policy is in place, individual schools will have the flexibility to decide how they implement it. This includes determining whether students can access their phones during lunch breaks or between classes. The district hopes that by limiting screen time, students will be more engaged in their studies and social interactions.
Nationwide, schools have been adopting similar measures to address concerns about distractions in the classroom. Many educators support these bans but argue that additional strategies are needed. Some suggest encouraging students to participate in outdoor activities or extracurricular programs as healthier alternatives to excessive screen time.
Varied Approaches in Other School Districts
St. Paul is not alone in addressing phone use in schools. Nearby districts have taken different approaches to managing electronic devices. For example, Minneapolis Public Schools allow students in sixth grade and above to use their phones with teacher permission. Meanwhile, Anoka-Hennepin Public Schools enforce stricter rules, requiring high school students to turn off their phones or set them to “airplane mode” unless instructed otherwise by a teacher. In elementary and middle schools within the district, electronic devices must remain powered off and out of sight.
As St. Paul prepares to enforce its new Districtwide Cell Phone Ban policy, educators and parents will be closely watching its impact on student engagement and overall academic performance. The district hopes that reducing digital distractions will lead to a more focused and productive learning environment.
