Students at Sartell High School have felt the effects of Minnesota’s Omnibus Education Policy Act, which went into effect on July 1st 2024, to promote students’ well-being while helping teachers manage cell phones in the classroom. 

In 2024, the Minnesota state legislature made a law regarding cell phones that controlled when they could be used in schools. Schools had until the fall of 2024 to make a plan for their district to follow this new law. Lawmakers felt as though the reduction of cell phones in a school setting would address some mental health concerns and boost academic focus. Representatives like Laurie Pryor from Minnetonka felt that student mental health issues and behavior issues could stem from the overuse of cellphones.  

Sartell-Saint Stephen School District implemented a phone regulation plan in each school in their handbooks in the fall of 2024. Each school, and even classrooms, had different rules set into place. For example, the Sartell Middle School had a “away for the day” plan, which required students to keep their phones in their lockers, and they were not allowed to use them. They are not allowed to have their phones out at any point in the school day, including lunch and passing time. The high school took a slightly different approach; cell phones were allowed on person, and students could use them during passing time, at lunch, and if approved by a teacher for educational activities. 

The Sartell-St.Stephen School Board is continuing discussions on how to best serve students regarding cell phone usage in the classroom. Throughout the 2025-2026 school year, the board has been working on a new policy and conducting listening sessions and surveys throughout the community. Nothing has been decided yet, but stay tuned on the LeSabre for more updates and information.