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K-8 Cell Phone Information

K-8 Cell Phone Information

New Student Cell Phone and Personal Device Rules & Guidelines for Grades K-8

Dear Parents/Caregivers,

You are receiving this letter to inform you about our school’s student cell phone/personal device rules and guidelines for the 2024-2025 school year. Cell phones and personal digital devices are NOT required resources for students at school. However, we recognize that the prevalence of cell phones among students has increased significantly in recent years. In the school environment, cell phones can be a distraction, an interruption, and occasionally, a tool for exchanging inappropriate information.


AWAY FOR THE DAY!

Starting the first day of school from the first class bell to the last class bell, cell phones should be turned off and put away.


We believe this new guideline will create a more positive learning environment and allow our students to be more engaged in classroom activities, and, conversely, less likely to be distracted by non-school activities. It will allow teachers to focus on lessons, instead of cell phone distractions in the classrooms. As more research on the impacts of cell phone use on adolescents is being published, we understand that it can lead to increased mental health issues in adolescents. As protecting and supporting the mental health of our students is a priority, we believe that eliminating cell phone use during school will assist us in these endeavors.


WHY do we require cell phones to be off and put away during school?

  • Relationships. In order to be connected to learning in the classrooms students must be connected to one another and to the instructional staff. Significant research and experience have determined that student access to cell phones distracts from the learning environment and creates a significant barrier to the interactions and connections crucial to rich, relationship-based learning.
  • Focus. Students learn best when they are “present” and engaged in the learning activities and interactions from moment to moment. Research has determined that not only cell phone use but also the proximity of cell phone availability and access for students during class is a distraction from learning.
  • Safety. It is acknowledged that families may choose to have students carry cell phones for a variety of reasons related to safety, however, cell phones as vehicles for social media access and use have proven detrimental to our school community.


HOW do students manage phones?
  • Cell phones are required to be off and put away in backpacks/lockers during the school day. Phones are never allowed in bathrooms or locker rooms.
  • Students who have a medical or other emergency reason for accessing their phone during the day should discuss an exception with an administrator.
  • If parents/caregivers need to reach their child during the school day, please call the main office. We will ensure students receive messages in a timely manner. For all other non-emergency messages, students may check their phones after school as they leave the building.


IF a student does not meet this expectation, what happens?

  • On the first offense, a student will be referred to the office and will pick up their cell phone at the end of the day. Expectations around cell phone use at school will be reinforced in partnership with the parent/caregiver.
  • If there is a second or third offense, the student’s parent/caregiver will be required to pick up the cell phone from the office.
  • If there is a fourth offense, a plan will be made in partnership between the school and the family to either store the cell phone in the office each day or to leave it at home.


Please review this letter with your student prior to the start of school. Thank you for your continued support in ensuring a safe and healthy learning environment for your child. If you have any questions regarding our cell phone guidelines, please do not hesitate to contact the school directly.


Sincerely,

Dr. Joey Page, Superintendent

Background Information

In 2024, the Minnesota legislature enacted a law requiring that school districts adopt a policy on students' possession and use of cell phones in school by March 15, 2025. This law does not state that school districts must incorporate specific language or provisions in the school district policy.


Action Taken:

Austin Public Schools has updated Model Policy 524 to reflect the new law regarding cell phones. While school districts are not required to implement a cell phone policy until March 2025, this updated model policy offers general guidance for administrators to establish cell phone rules and procedures.


The “Why”:

  • Improving Academic Performance:
    Recent research has shown that cell phone use in the classroom is a significant source of distraction. A study published in the Journal of Educational Psychology (2020) found that students who frequently use their cell phones in class tend to have lower academic performance. Similarly, an article in Education and Information Technologies (2022) emphasized that multitasking with cell phones negatively affects information retention and understanding.
  • Enhancing Mental Health:
    Excessive cell phone use has been linked to increased anxiety and stress among students. Research from the Behavioral Sciences (2023) indicates that the pressures of constant connectivity and social media can lead to mental health issues. A study in Clinical Psychological Science (2022) also found that students who use cell phones during class are more likely to experience social isolation and depression.
  • Creating a Better Classroom Environment:
    Cell phones disrupt the classroom environment, making it challenging for teachers to maintain control and for students to focus on learning. A review in the Journal of Computers in Education (2020) concluded that cell phones lead to increased incidents of cheating and reduced participation in class discussions. Moreover, an article in Education Science (2024) found that cell phone policies can improve the learning environment by promoting more face-to-face interactions among students.
  • Supporting Effective Teaching:
    Surveys and studies have shown that both teachers and students recognize the disruptive nature of cell phones in the classroom. Education Science (2024) revealed widespread support for measures to limit cell phone use and highlighted that teachers feel more empowered and effective when cell phone use is restricted.

Students are encouraged not to bring cell phones or other electronic devices to school, including smartwatches and earbuds/air pods. If students bring a cell phone/device to school, the expectations are as follows: Cell phones will remain in student backpacks/lockers during the academic school day, including lunch. Other electronic devices (including smart watches) and earbuds/air pods may also be asked to remain in backpacks/lockers during the academic school day.


  • Students who need to be in contact with their family during the academic day are to ask permission to use one of our school phones. Parents/caregivers are welcome and encouraged to contact our main office if there is a message that needs to be relayed.
  • Students assume the risk of damage, theft, or loss when choosing to bring a phone to school.
  • Students may use their cell phone, smart watches, and earbuds/air pods before and after the academic school day. This includes:
    • Checking in or responding to family members.
    • Sending and receiving appropriate communication with friends.
    • Sharing school-appropriate material with friends.
  • Cell phone use of any kind is not permitted in locker rooms or bathrooms.
  • Earbuds/headphones may be allowed at designated times for instructional purposes on school approved devices.
  • Phone usage during lockdown and fire drills is prohibited.
  • Using a cell phone to record or take photos of staff members or other students is not allowed without permission.
  • Recording or taking photos of classmates with the intent to bully or harass is not permitted.
  • Using social media, apps, or any other function of a cell phone/device to spread rumors, bully, make fun of, exclude, or create a disruption in school or outside of school is not permitted.
  • Sharing or asking classmates for inappropriate content is not permitted.
  • Cell Phone Guidelines for off-campus school activities (i.e. extracurricular activities, outdoor and service trips, school field trips) will be individualized depending on the specific trip and activities. These expectations will be addressed at pre-trip meetings and/or on trip-specific permission slips.


Extenuating Circumstances:

  • Students who use their cell phone to monitor a medical condition (i.e. diabetes, epilepsy) may have their cell phone with them at all times, but must adhere to all other expectations of the cell phone policy. Please contact school administration if there is an essential need for a phone for approval.
  • In the case of medical necessity or emergency, a student should have a health plan or prior approval.


Consequences and Progressive Plans:

These offenses are for using or accessing cell phones/electronic devices. Violations with cell phones or other district policies will be addressed accordingly. Note: Administrators have the flexibility to implement the following consequences and progress plans.

Compliance:

By following these guidelines, students will help maintain a focused and respectful learning environment. Failure to comply with these guidelines will result in disciplinary actions as described above.


Resources:

Austin Public Schools