Indiana Enacts Statewide School Cell Phone Ban

Governor Mike Braun signed Senate Enrolled Act 78 on March 5, mandating that every public school corporation in Indiana adopt a "bell‑to‑bell" policy that limits student use of personal wireless devices during the school day. Districts may either prohibit devices entirely or require them to be stored out of reach, and the rule covers cell phones, smartwatches and similar gadgets. Limited exceptions are allowed for documented medical needs, IEP or Section 504 accommodations, language translation, and other legally authorized cases. Schools are to enforce the policy through existing discipline procedures, emphasizing progressive accountability rather than severe penalties.

New Prairie High School in Carlisle has begun the year under the new rule, with Superintendent Paul White describing a zero‑tolerance approach that applies even if a device is observed but not in use. The district, which already provides each student with a learning device, says the policy is intended to reduce distractions and improve classroom focus. Parents are instructed to contact school offices for emergencies rather than reaching students directly.