Osseo School Board Considers Cell Phone Confiscation Policy
A new set of policies and procedures could allow school staff members to confiscate cell phones and other devices at schools across the Osseo Area School District.
The school board heard the first reading of the policy on Nov. 19. A vote on the policy is expected next month.
If approved, the policy would ban elementary and middle school students from using their cell phones during the school day.
Also included in the policy are devices like smartwatches and earbuds.
High school students would have phone access during passing time and lunch.
Students that need access to a phone to be in contact with their family would need to ask for permission to use a device.
If a student breaks the rules, their phone could be confiscated and turned into the school office.
A new set of policies and procedures could allow school staff members to confiscate cell phones and other devices at schools across the Osseo Area School District.
On a second and third offense, parents would have to pick up the phone at the end of the school day.
A fourth offense could mean that the student’s phone isn’t allowed on site, or could be held by the administration during the day.
Amy Moore, general counsel for Osseo Area Schools, said most feedback from stakeholders has been positive.
However, some students and parents worry about being out of contact with their loved ones.
“A lot of times you’ll hear about safety concerns, and even with parents, the safety concern,” Moore said. “That’s where they’re like, ‘but we want cell phones available for what if?'”
Some students want to see teachers abide by similar rules, Moore said.
She’s also heard feedback “especially from the students saying we need time, we can’t go cold turkey,” Moore said. “There’s kind of an education component to this as well.”
If the policy is approved, it would be fully implemented across the district in next fall.
Also See: Osseo Area Schools, Hennepin Healthcare Partner for Food Bags
