Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Austin Public Schools has announced new rules for cell phone and personal device use by students within the district’s schools.

Sent out Tuesday, the new policy follows legislation passed in Minnesota this year requiring districts to adopt a policy on student cell phone and device use by March 15, 2025.

Recently, the district updated its Policy 524 to reflect this new law and will essentially require students to put away cell phones and personal devices during learning periods throughout the day, with some exceptions depending on the grade level.

For grades 9-12, devices will not be allowed to be used during instructional time within classrooms, however students will be able to use them during passing time and during lunch.

For grades K-8, devices will be required to be turned off and put away either in lockers or backpacks from the first class bell to the last class bell.

In an email to parents, it was explained that the reason for pursuing diminished cell phone use is beneficial in a number of different areas including fostering relationships between students, focus, safety, improved academic performance, enhanced mental health and more.

“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,” said Superintendent Dr. Joey Page in the email. “It will allow teachers to focus on lessons, instead of cell phone distractions in the classrooms.”

Parents or guardians wishing to get a hold of their student are encouraged to call the main office at the school they are attending. At the high school level, the office can be reached at 1-507-460-1800.

Students with medical conditions requiring use of a phone to monitor, may continue to have their phone at all times, but must adhere to all other expectations of the cell phone policy.

For more information on requirements for us this coming school year, visit:

• For grades K-8, https://secure.smore.com/n/ckjsw
• For grades 9-12, https://secure.smore.com/n/qmv95