(Indianapolis) — Indiana lawmakers are considering legislation that would significantly expand restrictions on student cell phone use in schools, moving toward a consistent, statewide policy covering the entire school day.
The proposal, Senate Bill 78, would require all public school districts and charter schools to adopt one of two approaches: a complete ban on student-owned wireless devices during the school day, or a secure storage policy that allows students to bring devices to school but keeps them inaccessible from arrival until dismissal.
The bill is authored by State Sen. Jeff Raatz of Richmond, who has been a leading advocate for tighter limits on student cell phone use, citing concerns about classroom distractions, academic performance, and student mental health.
Under the legislation, “wireless communication devices” would include not only cell phones, but also tablets, laptops, gaming devices, and smartwatches that connect to the internet or a cellular network. The “school day” would be defined as the full instructional day while a student is on school property.
The bill would also prohibit the use of student-owned devices for classroom instruction, requiring that any teacher-directed technology use involve school-provided devices only.
Several exceptions are written into the proposal. Students would still be allowed access to devices if required for:
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An individualized education program or Section 504 plan
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A documented medical need
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Emergency situations authorized by school officials
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Language translation services, particularly for English learners
Schools would be required to publish their device policies on their websites, while the Indiana Department of Education would develop model policies and guidance to help districts implement the law.
SB 78 has been heard in the Senate’s Education and Career Development Committee, where lawmakers took testimony but did not vote. Additional discussion is expected as the legislative session continues.
Indiana already limits student cell phone use during instructional time under a law passed last year, but enforcement and policies vary widely by district. Supporters say SB 78 would create clarity and consistency statewide.
If approved by the General Assembly and signed into law, the measure would take effect July 1, 2026.
