WAYZATA, Minn. (FOX 9) – For many students, cell phones are as much a part of everyday life at school as backpacks. But thanks to a new law in the state of Minnesota, that could soon change in some districts.

“People will use their phones. In high school, everyone has one,” says Rena Youngquist, an 11th-grader at Minnetonka High School.

Earlier this year, the state legislature passed a law requiring all school districts and charter schools to adopt a policy regarding student ownership and use of cell phones by March 15, 2025.

The Wayzata School District is still working on its policy, but in an email to parents of elementary students, the district wrote, “Cell phones and similar digital devices are not allowed in school from the beginning of the school day to the end of the school day beginning this school year and must be securely stowed from bell to bell.”

“I think there should be restrictions on cell phones, but I don’t think they should be banned completely. Because if we need to use our cell phones to contact someone, I think we should also have the right to have our cell phones if we need to contact our parents in an emergency,” said Ellie Nordstrom, a sophomore at Wayzata High School.

Students and parents FOX 9 spoke to say allowing cell phones in the classroom can distract attention from learning.

“When people are bored, they pick up their phones and miss class, which can be distracting,” Youngquist said.

However, they would not support a general ban on mobile phones in their district.

“Especially because as a mother I sometimes want to have control over my child, and I think that takes away my freedom,” says mother Stacy Burkstrand.

“I think there would be a lot of problems with that because from a certain age, children start to handle it very responsibly and use it as a tool in a useful way,” says mother Larissa Stockton.

Mobile device policies in Minnesota’s largest school districts

Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS) says they review their cell phone policies annually and are already compliant with state laws.

Public Schools in St. Paul is working on developing a cell phone policy for the district that complies with the new legislation. While they do have a technology misuse policy, it does not specifically address cell phones. They say cell phone use is regulated at the “building level.”

Public Schools in the Osseo Area have a mobile device policy. The policy states, in part, “The use of a personal electronic device to photograph, record video images, record audio, listen to, follow, or monitor students or staff: (a) without their knowledge or consent; and (b) in a manner that is harmful to others or invades privacy.” Click here to view the full policy.

Public Schools in Shakopee has updated its current policy that students are not allowed to use personal electronic devices in classrooms or during class. Students are allowed to use personal devices before and after school, during recess, and during lunch.

Eden Prairie Public School District had some existing policies but updated them at the elementary level this year to comply with state law.

Edina Public Schools says the current “Away for the Day” cell phone practice for kindergarten through 8th grade has been expanded to include all electronic communication devices. In high school, a tiered system will be implemented for occasions when teachers direct students to use a device to complete class assignments or allow use of the device during independent work time. For high school students, all classrooms require devices to be stowed in a locker or backpack and kept out of sight. Violations of this policy may result in confiscation by the teacher.

Mounds View Public Schools say that each school currently has a written policy for mobile devices, but that a formal policy is being worked on that will be approved by the school board.

Schools in Eastern Carver County Currently, there is no specific mobile device policy districtwide, but there are technology and acceptable use policies in place.

Stillwater Public School District says they will “engage our community in this conversation after the school year begins.”

North St. Paul-Maplewood-Oakdale School District There is currently no cell phone policy, but the administration is meeting next week to work on one.

Robbinsdale Public School District says they will have a model policy this school year and that their district policy committee will meet on August 7 to begin discussing the policy.