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US and international school cell phone policy implementation

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2026-08-31 18:22 UTC → 2026-09-01 20:07 UTC · added ~~removed~~

In Indiana, Governor Mike Braun signed Senate Enrolled Act 78, mandating that all public school corporations adopt a “bell-to-bell” policy. This regulation limits the use of personal wireless devices, including cell phones and smartwatches, during the school day. While districts may choose to prohibit devices entirely or require them to be stored out of reach, exceptions are permitted for documented medical needs, language translation, and specific legal accommodations. Some districts, such as New Prairie High School, have implemented a zero-tolerance approach to reduce distractions. In Michigan, Birmingham Public Schools has implemented a bell-to-bell ban for K-12 students, prohibiting the use of mobile phones or personal electronic devices from the first bell until the final bell. This policy aligns with a state law signed in February that allows individual districts to determine specific implementation details for K-12 instruction times. The policy has met with mixed community reactions; supporters argue it will improve attention spans and social interaction, while critics have raised concerns regarding restrictions during lunch periods and the impact on students who use personal tablets for academic organization. As the new academic year begins, Michigan has moved forward with state law banning cellphones during instructional time in K-12 public schools. Supported by Governor Gretchen Whitmer to combat classroom distractions, the measure has faced pushback from some students and teachers regarding emergency communication and the loss of digital research tools. Globally, similar trends are emerging. In Nigeria, public and private primary schools and preschools have enforced bans on smartphones, smartwatches, and tablets to improve concentration. These schools are also introducing weekly instruction on mental health and internet safety for students in Grades 4 to 8. In the United States, the movement toward device restriction is expanding, with Michigan joining at least 35 other states in enacting such laws.

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