MANKATO, Minn. (KEYC) – It’s finally time to go back to school, and new legislation will require some adjustments to school policies.

School districts are now required to have specific policies regarding cell phone use by students.

Most counties already have cell phone policies in place, but they are embedded in broader policies and therefore need to be adjusted to bring them up to date.

“Currently, cell phones in New Ulm are integrated into our technology policy and based on the latest legislation, I know we need a specific cell phone policy by March,” said Sean Koster, superintendent of New Ulm Public Schools.

Most cell phone policies have a lot in common: no cell phones in class. Some districts allow them during lunch or between classes, and districts said students are well informed about the policy at the beginning of the year.

“If we see a student with a cell phone, we politely ask them to put it away. If they do, we go on with our day and it’s OK,” said Jason Grovom, principal of Prairie Winds Middle School. “If there’s a problem and it doesn’t go away right away, I just ask them to take it with them. They can have it at the end of the day and I call the parents and tell them to pick it up.”

School districts said most of the calls and text messages students receive during the school day are from parents themselves, so they made sure to communicate with parents to ensure they are as aware of the policies as the students are.

“Parents are very supportive. Parents want their students to be active learners in the classroom. That’s what they do to their students every day. And we are clear about other channels as well. If you need to reach your student, you can call the main office,” said Akram Osman, principal of Mankato East High School.

Districts have until March 15 to finalize their policies.

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