As soon as the school year began, a new phone policy was implemented at Sartell High School because of a new state law. Since then, there has been a variety of mixed opinions on this new rule, which differ depending on whether one is a student or a teacher. 

 Phones have been a prevalent problem for schools for a long time, and the MN state legislature has recently mandated that all districts adopt a phone policy before March 2025. Since then, many districts have created and implemented phone policies in their schools.

There have been a plethora of methods used so far for this new law, like Yondr pouches or putting phones in a designated spot at the start of class, with some schools even removing phones completely by collecting them in the morning and returning them after school.

Sartell High School has decided to go with a more linear route on this matter by making students simply put their phones into a designated spot at the start of class, thus allowing students to carry them freely during passing time and lunchtime.

Students and teachers from Sartell have a mixed range of responses, with many teachers supporting it as it will better manage their classroom environment. However, students are more divided on this topic. Some say it’s for their own good and they’re glad it’s in place, so that they don’t have to worry about it. Others are outraged and disappointed that this is being enforced as being on their phone is something they are very used to. 

Overall, although the new phone ban was received with mixed opinions.