MN lawmakers consider statewide ban on cell phones in schools
MN lawmakers consider school cell phone ban
School cell phone restrictions could become even tighter under a new bill with bipartisan support. This year, schools had to adopt a policy. That could turn into a total ban by 2026, at least at most schools.
ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) - School cell phone restrictions could become even tighter under a new bill with bipartisan support. This year, schools had to adopt a policy. That could turn into a total ban by 2026, at least at most schools.
MN Senate school cell phone ban
What we know:
The bill would require a ban on cell phones at school in kindergarten through eighth grade and ban them in classrooms for high schoolers.
Here’s a notification kids may not want to see: Parents and principals are mostly on the same page when it comes to cell phones.
"I am very concerned about the increased prevalence of cell phone use during school hours," said Dr. Anna Tierney, a parent and psychologist who testified at Monday's Senate education policy committee.
"Social media contributes to anxiety, depression, body image issues, and especially due to unrealistic comparison and cyberbullying," said Molly Kensy, principal at Tech High School in St. Cloud.
Popular or not?:
So a Senate bill creating a ban on cell phones in Minnesota classrooms should be popular, right?
But not quite.
One of its authors called a K-8 ban a no-brainer, but the state’s 331 school boards voted unanimously against a statewide ban.
"Minnesota's school boards are united on this being for a policy where districts have their own policy versus just an outright statewide ban," said Cory Johnson, chair of the Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan school board.
Administrators say districts are different and may need different policies.
Exceptions to the rule
Incomplete ban:
The bill does allow exceptions for devices necessary for medical use or for disabled students who need them.
It also allows other exceptions at the discretion of the school principal.
Teachers rejoiced at having enforcement out of their hands, but some wanted to be part of the conversation at the high school level, at least.
"You know, what it looks like in school should include us," said Alex Hoselton, a Minneapolis social studies teacher. "For example, like should students be able to bring their cell phones to the restrooms? Conversation like that."
Future feedback
What's next:
Next month, Senators will get feedback from school leaders about their new cell phone policies, which could lead to some adjustments to this bill, but they’re still looking at implementing a ban by August 2026.