Minnesota Schools May Be Forced to Go Phone-Free in 2026
A handful of states have already passed, or are working on, legislation to ban cell phones in schools, and Minnesota is now among them.
Florida was the first state to enact a school cell phone ban in 2023, and since then, other states like California have followed suit, requiring school districts to limit or prohibit smartphone use.
RAD MORE: Legendary Rock Band Joins 2025 Minnesota State Fair Lineup
Minnesota’s Proposed Cell Phone Ban
Now, Minnesota lawmakers are pushing for similar restrictions. A new bipartisan Senate bill calls for a complete ban on cell phones for K-8 students and a classroom ban for high school students.
While this may seem like a straightforward decision, every school board in Minnesota has opposed the idea. According to FOX 9, all 331 school boards across the state voted against the ban.
School Boards Push Back
Rather than a statewide law, school boards prefer to handle cell phone policies at the local level, arguing that each district has unique needs and may require different approaches.
Despite this resistance, lawmakers and school leaders emphasize that smartphones in schools contribute to issues like depression, anxiety, cyberbullying, and body image concerns, not to mention the obvious distraction from learning.
What Would the New Bill Do?
The proposed bill, SF 508, would prohibit cell phones and smartwatches for students in grades K-8. High school students (grades 9-12) would face a classroom-only ban rather than a full school-wide restriction. If passed, the law would take effect in the 2026-2027 school year.
Additionally, the bill includes funding for a statewide campaign to raise awareness about the negative effects of screen overuse and misuse on children.
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