EAST GRAND FORKS — Minnesota could be poised to join a growing number of states that bar students from using cellphones during the school day, a move that could reshape classroom routines and family communication across the region.
Proposal would mirror policies in neighboring states
The proposed plan, voiced recently by U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minnesota and the presumptive Democratic-Farmer-Labor gubernatorial nominee, would prohibit cellphone use in K-12 classrooms and place limits on students' screen time. Supporters say the measure is intended to keep students focused on instruction rather than on constant digital interaction.
“Cell phones don’t belong in the classroom,”
“My plan to ban cell phones in K-12 classrooms and limit screen time keeps kids focused on what matters: learning.”
At least 26 states already enforce so-called "bell-to-bell" bans that prevent students from using personal phones during the school day, including during lunch and passing periods. Among Minnesota’s four neighboring states, three have adopted complete bans; North Dakota is one of them. Minnesota currently falls into a different category — it is among a small group of states that require local school boards to adopt their own phone-use policies.
Local districts already using varied approaches
East Grand Forks Public Schools, on the Minnesota side of the Red River, had a district phone policy in place before the state law that required districts to set policies went into effect. Superintendent Kevin Grover described a differentiated approach:
- elementary students: cellphones banned completely;
- middle school students: devices must be put away during school hours;
- high school students: phones permitted outside of class time but not during instructional periods.
Grover acknowledged differing opinions within the community about how strict policies should be and cited parental concern about being able to reach their children during the day. He noted school phones are available to students and that parents may contact the school to relay urgent messages.
“It’s about getting (students) away from this constant communication with everyone,” Grover said, adding he supports devices being put away and would accept a statewide mandate if passed.
Research and policy context
Policymakers considering a statewide prohibition point to academic research that finds limits on phone access during school hours can reduce distractions and improve learning outcomes. A recent multi-university study cited by advocates showed state-level bans were effective in reducing phone use in classrooms and were associated with modest improvements in test scores, particularly among lower-achieving students.
Minnesota’s current statutory framework differs from an outright ban. The state is among five — along with Maine, Colorado, New Mexico and Alaska — that require school districts to adopt phone-use rules rather than imposing a uniform prohibition statewide. Other states either recommend limits or have no formal guidance, creating a patchwork of policies across the nation.
| Policy type | Example |
|---|---|
| Statewide bell-to-bell bans | At least 26 states |
| District-mandated policies | Minnesota, Maine, Colorado, New Mexico, Alaska |
| No statewide guidance or recommendations | Various states |
Implications for families and schools
Should Minnesota adopt a statewide ban, the change would standardize rules for families with children in multiple districts and could ease enforcement burdens for some schools. However, it could also raise practical concerns about emergency communication, equitable access to technology for learning, and consistency across grade levels.
Superintendent Grover said East Grand Forks schools try to balance safety, parental communication and instructional priorities. He added that parents, students and staff have mixed viewpoints on strict bans, and that the district’s current approach aims to address both supervision and academic focus.
What comes next
Any move toward a statewide prohibition in Minnesota would require action by state leaders and legislators. The debate is likely to weigh research on academic benefits against logistical and equity concerns raised by parents and districts. For now, families and educators in border communities such as East Grand Forks and in North Dakota will be watching closely as Minnesota’s conversation unfolds.
Reporting for this story relied on statements from local education officials and public comments by Sen. Amy Klobuchar, along with referenced university research into the effects of phone bans on student outcomes.
