At least 10 states have passed or are considering passing statewide legislation that limits cell phone use in the classroom, citing research about and educators’ experience with the detrimental effect of technology on children’s mental health and academic engagement.
In Indiana, a statewide classroom cell phone ban begins this school year; Florida banned cell phones in public schools last school year with seemingly positive results; and many public school districts nationwide have already been cracking down on cell phones on the district level.
And the number of states and schools following suit is only expected to increase.
What a school cell phone “ban” looks like in each state is different, and some policies also include smartwatches, in addition to smartphones. Even if it’s not required, many schools – like WCRIS member Saint Catherine High School in Racine – use magnetic pouches to prohibit student cell phone use.
Though these statewide bans typically only apply to public schools, this is one of the many trending education policies WCRIS will continue to follow, especially when our state legislature convenes in 2025.
