Minnesota phone ban

By: Alayanna Bouwens

I’m sure we are all aware of the Minnesota state wide, and school wide ban on phones; but what is that ban really about and how does it affect our learning? The ban states that in elementary and middle schools phones will be completely banned from the time school starts to the time school ends, while in high schools the ban aims to limit students time on their phone during class by banning the phones in classrooms but allowing students to use their phones during passing times and lunches. The ban, and specific rules, vary school to school. Here at the Highland High School, phones are banned only in class while for the Highland Park Middle schoolers, phones are banned from 8:30-3.

One of the big things today’s teens battle is phone addiction. Whether it’s pulling out your phone during an awkward situation or reaching for it when you’re bored, nearly every student today struggles with some sort of screen addiction. The phone ban is designed to help students learn how to be without their phones, or other screens, during the school day. This also encourages more genuine face-to-face interactions and helps cut out unnecessary distractions from learning, schoolwork, etc.

The Minnesota phone bans purpose is to help students stay focused by limiting screen time during school hours. Screen addiction is a very common struggle among kids today and the phone ban was created to help break those addictions down. The rules change school to school but the goal is always similar; to reduce phone use so students can be more present in class while promoting face-to-face interactions. The ban encourages better habits, fewer distractions, and more real-life social interaction throughout the day.

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