ST. PAUL, Minn. — St. Paul Public Schools have passed a new districtwide policy banning student cell phone use during school hours, a move aimed at improving academic performance and mental health.
Set to take effect at the start of the 2025-26 school year, the policy requires students to either leave their phones at home, store them in lockers, or keep them completely turned off and out of sight. Exceptions will be made for emergencies and students with medical needs.
Each school will determine its own enforcement procedures, including whether phone use is permitted during lunch or passing periods.
The decision aligns with a growing trend nationwide as districts seek ways to minimize distractions and enhance classroom engagement. While some schools implement full bans, others, like Minneapolis Public Schools, allow limited use with teacher approval. Meanwhile, Anoka-Hennepin Public Schools require students to turn off devices unless explicitly permitted.
Despite the push for restrictions, some educators argue that bans alone aren’t enough and advocate for alternative engagement strategies, such as increased outdoor activities and extracurricular involvement.
