STILLWATER, MN (WNN) – Students in the Stillwater Area District (ISD 834) will not be able to use electronic communication devices during the school day starting in the 2025-2026 school year.

Phones, smart watches, earbuds and similar devices will be prohibited from the first bell of the day to the last bell of the day.

The new policy states that it includes “instructional time, lunch periods, recess, school-sponsored programs, events or activities, or any other time during the designated school day.”

District leaders say the goal of the policy is to create a more focused learning environment by reducing distractions and promoting face-to-face social interactions. 

The policy says, “devices shall be kept in designated areas and turned off”.

It is likely those designated places would be lockers.

Laws approved during the 2024 legislative session required all districts to adopt a policy on the use of cellphones in schools by March 15.

The legislation recommended districts to adopt a phone-free policy.